Combined regional anesthetic techniques enhance postoperative recovery after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial

The administration of PIFB combined with RSB could improve quality of recovery and relieve postoperative pain for patients following cardiac surgery. Key message What is already known on this topic Previous studies have demonstrated that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks effectively reduce postoperative pain in cardiac surgery patients. However, whether these techniques further enhance overall postoperative recovery remained unclear. What this study adds This trial revealed that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks improved postoperative QoR-15 scores, and combined regional techniques further improved recovery without compromising analgesia. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The findings support applying combined nerve blocks into enhanced recovery protocols for cardiac surgery, offering evidence to optimize postoperative analgesia strategies.