The Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine Intraoperatively Through a Superficial Cervical Plexus Blockade for Postoperative Pain Management for Carotid Endarterectomy: a Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Currently, bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension (Exparel™, PACIRA BIOSCIENCES, INC., Tampa, Florida, USA) has approval by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of postoperative pain in various surgical patients. In this case report, we suggest the addition of introducing its use in surgical procedures involving the neck, specifically, patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine into the superficial cervical plexus has proved to provide adequate pain relief for approximately 72 hours postoperatively discarding the use of other analgesics. Despite the findings, this calls for a larger study comparing the efficacy of different postoperative pain management protocols. Keywords: Liposomal Bupivacaine, Regional Anesthesia, Endarterectomy, Pain Management.