Regional Block for Postoperative Free Flap Care

The increasing rate of opioid related overdose mortality is well documented in the literature and approached 15 per 100,000 in 2017. Because of a growing epidemic in the US, the medical community is under scrutiny to curtail opioid prescription. However, this is weighed against surgical outcomes; importantly, postoperative pain has adverse effects on function, recovery and quality of life.

Regional anesthesia provides a non opioid based, pain control strategy. First, regional anesthesia decreases systemic adverse events including respiratory failure in abdominal surgery, decreases length of stay and improves rehabilitation in common orthopedic procedures such as total knee arthroplasty and shoulder arthroplasty. Second, the physiologic benefits of regional anesthesia are compelling including augmented micro and macrocirculation, maintenance of body temperature and decreased systemic stress response through chemical sympathectomy. Finally, regional anesthesia has been established as safe in the microvascular and anesthesia literature for pediatric, and adult patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Age > 18
• Able to consent for themselves
• Undergoing a head and neck surgery at UAB with reconstruction using either a forearm free flap or a fibula free flap

Exclusion criteria

• Age < 18
• Unable to consent for themselves
• Non-English speakers
• Non-resectable tumor
• Have a known opioid tolerance, or are on a home opioid regimen for a chronic condition. (Short-term opioid use for diagnostic procedures (i.e. biopsy) or new cancer diagnosis will be allowed).
• Patients with known hepatic failure, renal failure, or sulfa allergy, as determined by standard of care labs drawn within 30 days of enrollment