Anterior scalene plane block at the superior trunk level relieves referred shoulder pain after liver radiofrequency ablation: a technical report.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single patient case report / technical report
PubMed 34024626 · doi:10.1016/j.bjane.2020.10.019
What was done
A technical report evaluated the use of an anterior scalene plane block at the superior trunk level to achieve phrenic nerve blockade in one patient. The procedure was performed to manage severe, refractory referred shoulder pain following radiofrequency ablation of a diaphragm-abutting liver tumor that did not respond to full-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prophylaxis.
What was found
The abstract reports that the block rapidly alleviated pain without significant complications. No numerical data, pain scores, or onset times were provided in the abstract.
Why it matters
It presents a potential regional anesthesia technique targeting phrenic-mediated referred shoulder pain following hepatic ablation when standard pharmacotherapy fails.
Limits
This is an uncontrolled single-patient case report (n = 1) lacking objective pain scores and quantifiable safety endpoints in the abstract. The efficacy and safety profile, including risks associated with phrenic nerve blockade, cannot be generalized from a single case.