J Emerg Med
-
Case Reports
Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Nerve Block for Relief of Acute Cholecystitis Pain.
Acute cholecystitis is a common surgical emergency and a painful condition that often requires frequent intravenous opioid analgesia. Sometimes, pain control of patients with acute cholecystitis is challenging. In this case, we present a potential alternative to managing acute cholecystitis pain. ⋯ A 40-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) with right upper quadrant pain. While awaiting testing and ultrasound, she received multiple doses of opioid analgesia. A point-of-care ultrasound of the right upper quadrant was performed and demonstrated findings of acute cholecystitis. Given that her pain was challenging to manage, even with intravenous opioids, an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) nerve block was discussed and subsequently performed at the T7 level. Thirty minutes after the procedure, the patient reported significant relief of her pain and did not require any opioid analgesia until ten hours later on the inpatient floor. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: ESP nerve blocks can potentially offer an alternative analgesic in the management of acute cholecystitis, subsequently reducing the use of opioids in the ED. ESP nerve blocks can potentially offer patients longer-lasting analgesia. ESP nerve blocks can potentially manage visceral pain in the ED.
-
Case Reports
Ultrasound-Guided Clavipectoral Plane Block for Analgesia of Acute Clavicular Fracture in the Emergency Department.
Clavicle fractures are commonly encountered in the emergency department and require effective analgesia to facilitate appropriate management and disposition. ⋯ We present the case of a 52-year-old man who presented with an acute, mildly displaced midshaft fracture of his right clavicle. After minimal improvement in pain from oral and topical analgesics, he underwent an ultrasound-guided clavipectoral plane block which completely relieved his pain. He did not require additional analgesics for 36 hours after the block. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The ultrasound-guided CPB may be a safe and effective analgesic strategy for uncomplicated clavicle fractures in the ED.