Preoperative ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat after thoracic surgery with double-lumen endobronchial tubes
This study protocol describes a double-blind RCT testing whether preoperative ultrasound-guided SGB with 0.25% ropivacaine 4mL reduces POST incidence at 6 hours postoperatively compared to saline placebo in 132 patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection with DLTs. Secondary outcomes include POST severity at multiple time points, pain scores, nausea/vomiting, hoarseness, recovery quality, sleep quality, and analgesic consumption.
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Preoperative ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat after thoracic surgery with double-lumen endobronchial tubes The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Preoperative ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat after thoracic surgery with double-lumen endobronchial tubes
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary lobes/segments with double-lumen endobronchial tubes.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat After Thoracic Surgery: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. (Journal of pain research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸SGB blocks sympathetic innervation to the head, neck, and upper airway
- ▸Reduces airway inflammation and edema
- ▸Modulates sympathetic tone and pain signaling
- ▸Decreases incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary lobes/segments with double-lumen endobronchial tubes
Recommended Dose
0.25% ropivacaine 4mL
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Study protocol only; results not yet available
- ▸Single-center design may limit generalizability
- ▸Placebo-controlled but does not account for potential systemic effects of local anesthetic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The primary outcome is the incidence of postoperative sore throat at 6 hours after surgery.
How many patients will be enrolled?▼
A total of 132 patients will be randomized into two groups.
What type of block is being tested?▼
Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block at the C6 level using 0.25% ropivacaine.
Is this study completed?▼
No, this is a study protocol; the trial is not yet completed and results are not available.
References
- 1.Wang L, Yan X, Jiang J, Wu A. “Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat After Thoracic Surgery: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial..” Journal of pain research, 2026. PMID: 42445935 DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S612817