Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block in Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure used to correct jaw bone problems that are present from birth or develop over time. During this surgery, multiple cuts, tissue separation, and bone reshaping (osteotomy) are done on the upper and lower jaw. After the surgery, the body responds with an inflammatory reaction, causing edema and pain. As the tissues heal, the edema and pain gradually decrease. Edema is a common result of orthognathic surgery and can affect recovery time, return to normal activities, and hospital stay. Research shows that reducing edema can improve a patient's quality of life. Excessive edema can also cause pain and discomfort. To manage this, treatments such as steroids, laser therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, and cold applications are used. The SPG is a nerve center that contains both sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. It connects to the trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, internal carotid plexus, and superior cervical ganglion. The SPG plays a role in widening brain blood vessels, providing sensation to the soft palate, tonsils, upper lip, and mouth floor, and controlling tear gland secretions. In our study, it is anticipated that SPG block may help prevent intraoperative abnormal hemodynamic changes (by facilitating the control of heart rate and mean arterial pressure), reduce bleeding, decrease anesthetic drug consumption, lower the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and improve postoperative pain control and edema reduction. As a result, the postoperative comfort of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery can be enhanced with a cost-effective and easily applicable method, potentially reducing the risk of chronic pain in the long term. Additionally, by minimizing surgery-related edema and jaw muscle spasms, patients may achieve an optimal quality of life more quickly. Due to the limited number of studies on this technique in oral and maxillofacial surgery, our study is expected to pave the way for future research in this area.