Superficial Cervical Plexus Block Versus Ketamine in the Prevention of Chronic Pain After Thyroidectomy

Comparison of Superficial Cervical Plexus Block and Ketamine in the Prevention of Chronic Pain After Thyroidectomy: Results of a Prospective Randomized Study

The goal of our work is to to compare the effect of preemptive Ketamine administration versus superficial cervical plexus block on the incidence of postoperative neuropathic pain in patients undergoing thyroidectomy

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 80 years
• Scheduled for thyroidectomy under general anesthesia.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
• Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy to ketamine or local anesthetics
• Severe renal impairment with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) under 30 mL/min
• History of neurological disorders
• History of psychiatric illness
• History of severe cardiac disease (NYHA III-IV) or serious arrhythmias
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²)
• Cognitive or communication impairment
• Refusal to participate