Abstract
We investigated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerves (PECS) block for modified radical mastectomy surgery retrospectively. Methods: We measured that pain scores and the use of additional analgesic drugs were recorded in the postoperative care unit within 24 hours after the operation. Postoperative complications (i.e., nausea and vomiting) were noted. Results: Patients who received the PECS block under general anesthesia (PECS group) reported lower visual analog scale pain scores at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours after the operation than patients who did not receive PECS block under general anesthesia (control group). Moreover, the use of additional analgesic drugs during the first 24 hours after surgery was lower in the PECS group than in the control group. While in the postoperative care unit, the PECS group had less nausea and vomiting than the control group. Conclusion: The PECS block provides effective postoperative analgesia within the first 24 hours after breast cancer surgery.
Highlights
Acute postoperative pain following breast cancer surgery is often disregarded because the procedure is considered minimally invasive
We investigated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerves (PECS) block for modified radical mastectomy surgery retrospectively
We measured that pain scores and the use of additional analgesic drugs were recorded in the postoperative care unit within 24 hours after the operation
Summary
Acute postoperative pain following breast cancer surgery is often disregarded because the procedure is considered minimally invasive. If acute pain management is neglected, most patients will develop chronic post-mastectomy pain [1], which reduces quality of life. To manage acute pain after breast cancer surgery, regional anesthesia is rec-. To avoid the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the injection of fentanyl is discouraged. Regional anesthesia such as thoracic epidural block (TEB) and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) can provide effective postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery [3] [4]. As the TEB and the TPVB are deep nerve blocks, we are hesitant to perform these techniques
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