Greater Occipital Nerve Block as an Opioid-Sparing Alternative in Scalp Surgery: A Case Series

TL;DR

This case series explores using a greater occipital nerve block to reduce opioid use in scalp surgery, showing promising pain control results.

Contribution

The study introduces the use of GON block as an opioid-sparing technique in occipital scalp surgery, an underexplored application.

Findings

GON block provided effective postoperative analgesia in three patients undergoing occipital scalp surgery.

The technique contributed to reduced opioid consumption in the studied cases.

The procedure was performed safely following anesthetic induction.

Abstract

The greater occipital nerve (GON) is primarily responsible for the sensory innervation of the posterior region of the scalp. GON block has been described as a safe and effective therapeutic option for various types of headaches, including occipital neuralgia, migraine, cervicogenic headache, and cluster headache. Despite its established role in headache management, there is a paucity of evidence in the literature regarding its use in the perioperative setting, particularly in surgeries involving the occipital region of the scalp.

In this context, we present a case series of three patients undergoing excision of malignant tumors in the occipital scalp region, followed by reconstruction. GON block was performed following anesthetic induction to evaluate its efficacy in postoperative pain control. The results suggest that this technique may provide effective analgesia while also contributing to reduced opioid consumption.

Figures