Inferior Alveolar Plus Buccal Nerve Block Decreases Postoperative Pain Scores at Buccal Mucosal Graft Harvest Site: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain at buccal mucosal graft (BMG) harvest site hinders the resumption of food intake. We aim to study the effect of inferior-alveolar nerve block plus buccal nerve block (IANB + BNB) on pain scores. METHODS: This was a retrospective case–control study performed in a single center from July 2021 to July 2022 (ethics committee approval: T/IM-NF/Urology/23/27). We performed IANB + BNB with a mixture of 5 mL each of 1% lignocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone, in addition to local infiltration of 2% lignocaine and (1:100 000) epinephrine combination before harvesting BMG. We retrospectively compared the recorded postoperative pain scores using the visual analog scale (VAS) among patients who received and did not receive IANB + BNB. The time for resumption of pain-free diets and postoperative analgesic requirements was compared. RESULTS: The study groups included 20 patients each and were similar in age and graft size. The VAS scores at 0 hours [1.0 (1.25) vs. 2.5 (3.5); P= .043], 6 hours [2.40 (± 0.69) vs. 4.60 (± 0.97); P= .008], 12 hours [2.50 (± 0.97) vs. 4.80 (± 0.92); P= .008], and 24 hours [3.0 (1.25) vs. 4.5 (1.25); P= .002] were better in the intervention arm. However, the pain beyond the second day was similar. The IANB + BNB group resumed solid food quicker, and the cumulative paracetamol dose required was less [8.9 (± 3.03) vs. 16.2 (± 5.06) g; P= .001]. Fewer patients required opioids. CONCLUSION: Patients who received IANB + BNB had better pain scores during the first 24 hours following surgery and tolerated solid diet quicker.