The use of infraorbital nerve block for postoperative pain control after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The transsphenoidal approach for pituitary resection is often used for a suprasellar tumor. The use of infraorbital nerve block for pain control in the postoperative period is described in this case report.


METHODS
An 11-year old male was scheduled for a transsphenoidal approach to a pituitary tumor. After induction of general anesthesia and placement of an endotracheal tube, bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks (maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve) were performed using an intraoral approach. This block was repeated at the conclusion of surgery. The patient was very comfortable in the postoperative period without need for additional analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks may provide adequate pain control following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The avoidance of opioids may allow better neurological examination following major neurosurgical procedures.
McAdam
Dugald
D
Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Muro
Kenji
K
Suresh
Santhanam
S
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007016:Hypophysectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D009915:Orbit / Q000294:innervation*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*