RÉSUMÉ
Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block ( SGB) on perioperative inflammatory responses and postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients un-dergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Methods Fifty-five American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classⅠ-Ⅲpatients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, weighing 50-75 kg, undergoing elective gastrointestinal sur-gery, were divided into SGB group ( n=18) and control group ( C group, n=37) using a random number table method. Ultrasound-guided SGB was conducted with 0. 5％ ropivocaine 7 ml at the left C6 level in SGB group. The equal volume of normal saline was given under ultrasound guidance at the same site in C group. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at 5 min before SGB and 2, 4 and 24 h after SGB for deter-mination of plasma tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) , interleukin ( IL)-1β and IL-6 concentrations by en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The increased level of leukocyte count ( leukocyte count at 24 h after SGB-leukocyte count at 24 h before SGB) was recorded. The recovery time of bowel sounds and anal or sto-ma exhaust time were also recorded. Results Compared with C group, the concentrations of TNF-αat 2 h after SGB and IL-1βat 2, 4 and 24 h after SGB were significantly decreased, the increased level of leuko-cyte count was decreased, and the recovery time of bowel sounds and anal or stoma exhaust time were short-ened in SGB group ( P<0. 05) . Conclusion Ultrasound-guided SGB can reduce perioperative inflammato-ry responses and promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in the patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.