Introduction:

The therapeutic block of the stellate ganglion is a procedure for relieving chronic pain of the upper limbs, head, and neck. It is currently performed with more adjuvant local anesthetics, but in Cuba only local anesthetics are used for this block.

Objective:

To compare recent information about the relevance of using local anesthetics with adjuvants to stimulate the updating of their practice nationally, according to the routines and the outcomes of this expertise in the international setting.

Methods:

More than 150 scientific reports were reviewed online, referring to this technique worldwide, regarding drug use and therapeutic outcomes, in databases in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Development:

The anesthetic block requires knowledge about pharmacology and practical skills to perform it. The need for local anesthetics and adjuvants varies, and depends on the patient and type of block. Opioids are also used to treat chronic pain, alone or with local anesthetics. Reasonable benefits are also published regarding the use of ketamine and steroids in combination with local anesthetics.

Conclusion:

The most intense and lasting therapeutic outcomes obtained by applying more adjuvant local anesthetic suggest updating these practices nationally.

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