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New research · Ophthalmology
BMC anesthesiology · 10h
Meta-analysisBMC anesthesiology · 2026

Efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block for postoperative pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Weiwei Liu, Demei Liu, Shengda Liu
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OphthalmologyMeta-analysis

Stellate ganglion block lowers pain scores at 6 hours after surgery.

Efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block for postoperative pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Weiwei Liu … Shengda Liu
BMC anesthesiology · 2026
Background

Stellate ganglion block (stellate ganglion block) is a form of regional anesthesia employed to reduce postoperative pain management.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science covering all records up to September 20,2025 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials).

n = 2231 participants
Results

pain scores at 6 hours were much lower with the nerve block

SMD -1.35 (95% CI -1.96 to -0.73)
null 0
-1.96
-0.73
CI excludes the null - significant
More results

It shortened hospital stay [MD = - 1.04, 95% CI (- 1.74, - 0.34)], reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting[RR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.40, 0.77)], but the incidence of upper eyelid ptosis was markedly higher than in the control group [RR = 31.67, 95% CI (6.43, 155.90)].

“
Conclusion · 1 of 3

Stellate ganglion block may help alleviate early pain (6, 12, and 24 h) postoperatively, It also shortens hospital and the ICU stays and reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting but increases the incidence of upper eyelid ptosis.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Analysis showed no significant group-to-group differences in other indicators.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Given the limitations of the included studies, further high-quality, large-sample randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm and expand upon the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block.

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