Role of ropivacaine infiltration analgesia in bilateral reduction mammaplasty

Abstract

Bilateral reduction mammaplasty (BRM) is a common procedure in plastic surgery. Our study aims to determine whether single-shot infiltration with ropivacaine during surgery reduces postoperative pain and decreases analgesic consumption. In a prospective and monocentric study, all women operated by a single senior plastic surgeon, for whom BRM had been performed were included. The same surgical technique was performed for all patients (a superior pedicle, wise-pattern BRM with a closed-suction drainage). During the first half first part of the study period, none of the patients received ropivacaine infiltration (control group) and during the second half, all the patients received this infiltration (ropivacaine group). Infiltration was performed with a 20 mL solution of ropivacaine per side. Analgesic consumption and pain intensity were recorded during hospitalization and following discharge. Forty-nine patients were divided into two groups (29 in the ropivacaine group and 20 in the control group). The ropivacaine group had a significantly lower consumption than the control group on all analgesics (paracetamol, tramadol, nefopam and morphin) (P < 0.001). Pain measurement reflected significantly lower scores in the ropivacaine group, both at four hours and three days postoperatively (P < 0.001). This difference was no longer significant at day 7 postoperatively (P=0.147). Single-shot ropivacaine infiltration during surgery reduces postoperative pain and decreases the analgesic consumption. With this peroperative infiltration, BRM can be performed with good pain control and moderate analgesic consumption, limiting side effects.