The efficacy of maxillary and mandibular nerve blockade using electrical nerve stimulation for guidance.

BACKGROUND: In oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, sometimes conventional loco-regional anesthesia techniques could be insufficient in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of analgesia using electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) for maxillary or mandibular nerve blockade, in comparison with conventional loco-regional anesthesia techniques. METHODS: The study comprised 52 patients who were attending the department for advanced surgery of the upper and lower jaw. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: ENS and Local group. The predictor variable was the anesthesia technique (ENS and Local groups). The outcome variables were patient assessed pain levels (VAS scores) and total anesthetic dose. RESULTS: Both the administered anesthetic dose and patient-assessed pain levels were significantly lower in the ENS group than in the Local group, despite there being no difference in age, sex or any hemodynamic parameters between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary and mandibular nerve blockade is more efficient with ENS guidance, with lower amounts of anesthetic required, compared to conventional loco-regional anesthesia.