Bilateral Serratus Plane Block in a Critically Ill, Mechanically Ventilated Patient with Multiple Rib Fractures Due to Severe Thoracic Trauma: Case Report and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Effective pain management in polytrauma patients with rib fractures is essential, particularly in the critical care setting. While epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard, it is not always feasible, necessitating alternative locoregional approaches. We present the case of a polytrauma patient with multiple, bilateral rib fractures and severe chest pain that hindered weaning from mechanical ventilation. A bilateral Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) was performed, with catheters placed for continuous administration of local anesthetics. Pain relief was immediate, enabling a rapid weaning from mechanical ventilation, safe extubation, and subsequent discharge to rehabilitation. A review of the literature on this technique in critically ill patients w

SUBMITTER: Baccoli F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11943023 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature