Uso del bloqueo nervioso del cuero cabelludo en el alivio del dolor postoperatorio tras craneotomias.

Abstract

Introduction: In the management of postoperative pain (PP) following craniotomies, approximately 10-20% of patients report severe pain. Traditional treatments with opioids present disadvantages such as sedation and interference with postoperative neurological evaluations. Scalp Nerve Block (SNB) emerges as a significant alternative by providing effective analgesia and minimizing the need for opioids. Objective: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of SNB in relieving PP in craniotomies. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA model, examining studies published between 2020 and 2024 in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane. Following a rigorous selection, 16 studies exploring the use of SNB in craniotomies were included. Results: The results show that SNB reduces PP, decreases the need for opioids, and improves hemodynamic stability. Specifically, using ropivacaine and adjuvants such as clonidine prolongs analgesia and reduces the consumption of additional medications. There is a low incidence of adverse effects associated with SNB compared to traditional analgesic methods. Conclusion: SNB is effective and safe for managing PP after craniotomies, improving hemodynamic stability and reducing opioid use, making SNB a valuable tool in this intervention.