The efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Introduction The efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block for pain control after endoscopic sinus surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of SPG block on pain intensity after endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through June 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of SPG block for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for endoscopic sinus surgery, SPG block is associated with the decrease in pain scores at 6 h (Std. MD = - 0.71; 95% CI = - 1.08 to - 0.34; P = 0.0002) and 24 h (Std. MD = - 0.51; 95% CI = - 0.87 to - 0.14; P = 0.006), the number of rescue analgesics (RR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.42; P < 0.00001) and incidence of nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.30-0.89; P = 0.02), but demonstrate no obvious impact on pain scores at 2 h (Std. MD = - 0.99; 95% CI = - 2.80-0.83; P = 0.29) or headache (RR = 1.30; 95% CI = 0.38-4.46; P = 0.67). Conclusions SPG block can provide additional benefits for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery.