Feeding following cleft palate surgery: a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block and greater palatine nerve block

In the context of cleft-lip and palate surgery, both suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks (SZMNB) and greater palatine nerve blocks (GPNB) have been shown to provide improved postoperative pain relief. In this context, both pain relief and early postoperative feeding are of great importance. However, these two techniques have so far not been properly compared with regard to these characteristics.

Children 1-10 years of age undergoing palate surgery were randomized to either SZMNB or GPNB. Primary aim was early (0-24 hour) postoperative feeding (%) in relation to full normal oral feeding. Secondary aims were postoperative pain scores and need for rescue paracetamol administration (pain score >4).