Intercostal nerve blocks

Thoracic trauma

Published in Brice Antao, S Irish Michael, Anthony Lander, S Rothenberg MD Steven, Succeeding in Paediatric Surgery Examinations, 2017

Marianne Beaudin, Rebeccah L Brown

Supplemental oxygen and supportive measures are the only treatment required for lung contusions and aspiration pneumonia. Antibiotics have no proven benefit for either condition. Treatment of rib fractures and flail chest is supportive as well and includes supplemental oxygen, aggressive pulmonary toilet and pain management. Intercostal nerve blocks and epidural infusions have been effective pain relief adjuncts in this setting. Patients with significant chest trauma can also develop atelectasis due to underlying injuries or inadequate ventilation because of pain. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen as needed, incentive spirometry, other forms of respiratory physiotherapy and pain management. Atelectasis that is inadequately treated and allowed to persist may evolve into a pneumonia that requires antibiotic therapy. It is considered a nosocomial infection in regard to the choice of antibiotics.

Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease

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Journal Information

Published in Hospital Practice, 2018

Sajid Farooq, Mohannad Abu Omar, Gary A. Salzman

Intercostal nerve block with a long-acting local anesthetic can relieve chest wall pain and reduce the need for systemic analgesics. Intercostal nerve block may provide relief for 18–24 h and can be repeated to alleviate the pain symptoms [60,61].

Intercostal nerve blocks

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Thoracic trauma

Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease