Newer regional analgesia interventions (fascial plane blocks) for breast surgeries: Review of literature

Erector spinae plane block for laparoscopic surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel analgesic technique that can reduce post-operative pain and postoperative opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on November 17th, 2023 for clinical trials comparing ESPB with other analgesic techniques or placebo for laparoscopic surgeries. We meta-analyzed post-operative pain at rest, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesic request, and postoperative nausea and vomiting using a random effects model.

RESULTS

ESPB significantly reduced opioid consumption compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.837, (-2.331, -1.343), < 0.001) and also compared to transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.351, (-1.815, -0.887), < 0.001) but not quadratus lumborum plane block (QLB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 0.022, (-0.241, 0.286), 0.869). ESPB also significantly reduced participant-reported pain scores at rest at 24h post-operation compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.612, (-0.797, -0.428), < 0.001) and TAPB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.465, (-0.767, -0.162), < 0.001), however, there was a significant increase in pain score compared to QLB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 1.025, 0.156, 1.894), 0.021). A statistically significant increase in time to first rescue analgesic in ESPB groups compared to placebo and TAPB groups was observed in our meta-analysis. There was a lower post-operative nausea and vomiting rate in the ESPB groups compared to placebo groups, yet a comparable rate with QLB and TAPB groups was observed in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

ESPB is an effective and safe analgesic technique for managing post-operative pain and opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries compared to placebo, reducing postoperative nausea or vomiting as well. Compared to other techniques, ESPB has a similar efficacy to QLB, except for the pain score at 24 h post-operation, but appears to be superior to TAPB as an analgesic technique in laparoscopic surgeries, with a similar safety profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero registration ID: CRD42024508363. Link: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails.

Comparison of fascial plane blocks (ESPB vs. TPVB) for pain relief following modified radical mastectomy

Background and Aims

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional anesthesia technique compared to the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in providing postoperative pain relief in breast surgeries. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is a commonly performed surgery for breast cancer. The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of ESPB and TPVB in providing postoperative pain relief after MRM.

Material and Methods

This is a prospective randomized study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Sixty ASA I-III adult patients (age >18 years) scheduled to undergo elective unilateral MRM for breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound-guided ESPB or TPVB with 0.25% bupivacaine was performed preoperatively on the patients randomized into two groups, namely, the ESPB and TPVB groups. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain relief. Morphine consumption and Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain were recorded at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively.

Results

Primarily, the mean postoperative VAS scores between the two groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h showed no statistical significance and were comparable when matched at different time points. However, 24-h morphine consumption was significantly more in the ESPB group (P = 0.035). Duration of block performance also showed a significant difference, with ESPB taking less time to perform (P < 0.001). The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of patients and length of hospital stay in both the groups were similar.

Conclusions

Both ESPB and TPVB provided adequate analgesia in patients undergoing MRM; however, TPVB had better efficacy and opioid-sparing effect when compared to ESPB.

Combined fascial plane blocks as the sole regional anesthesia technique for breast surgery in high-risk patients

The quest for an effective regional anaesthesia technique in breast surgery has always been eluded by its apparent complexity. Various techniques had been described as anaesthetic techniques for breast cancer surgeries. Fascial plane blocks had been used as analgesic techniques for this procedure. We describe a case series of 12 patients who were given a combination of erector spinae plane block (ESP), Pectoralis I (Pecs I) and serratus anterior plane (SAP) block as sole anaesthetic technique with high risk surgical morbidity. Two patients had discomfort during retraction of axillary apex towards the end of surgery, and one patient had discomfort during medial parasternal incision, which needed a single bolus of low dose ketamine injection. Combined fascial plane blocks could be effectively utilized as a sole regional anesthesia modality for breast cancer surgeries with mild sedation.

Analgesic effectiveness of preoperative ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral nerve block for breast surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Our meta-analysis aimed to compare the analgesic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided preoperative erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus paravertebral nerve block (PVB) in breast surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between January 1, 1980 and April 31, 2021. The primary endpoints were perioperative pain score, analgesic consumption, and assessment of the block procedure. The secondary endpoints were intraoperative hemodynamic response, duration of surgery, postoperative antiemetic consumption, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Four RCTs comprised a total of 310 patients were included in our meta-analysis. No significant differences in the perioperative pain score and analgesic consumption were observed between ESPB and PVB in the operating room, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and ward (at 1, 16, 12, and 24 h), and the morning of postoperative day 1 (POD1) (all p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences in the duration of block, time to first analgesic, hemodynamic response, duration of surgery, postoperative antiemetic consumption, and adverse effects were observed (all p > 0.05). However, our meta-analysis revealed that ultrasound-guided preoperative ESPB significantly reduced the duration of procedure time and frequency of guidance interventions, as well as increased the block success rate among residents (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both ultrasound-guided preoperative ESPB and PVB showed comparable analgesic effects in patients undergoing breast surgery. However, with a significantly shorter procedure time and higher block success rate, our findings suggest that ESPB may be a simple alternative to PVB in breast surgery.

Ultrasound-guided multiple-injection costotransverse block for mastectomy and primary reconstructive surgery. A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Post-operative pain amelioration following breast cancer surgery is inconsistent. The novel multiple-injection costotransverse block (MICB) mimics the thoracic paravertebral block by possible anaesthetising the ventral rami of the thoracic spinal nerves and the sympathetic trunk. Proof of concept has been determined in a cadaveric study and needs further clinical testing.

METHODS

This double-blinded, randomised and placebo-controlled study investigates the efficacy of the ultrasound-guided MICB versus placebo in 36 patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy and primary subpectoral reconstruction surgery. Oral pre-operative medicine is standardised for all patients. Active group is pre-operatively administered MICB with three injections of each 10 ml of ropivacaine (5 mg/ml). The placebo group is pre-operatively administered three injections of each 10 ml of saline (0.9%). Standard general anaesthesia is induced and 30 min before emergence 0.2 μg/kg total body weight sufentanil IV, 1 g of paracetamol IV and 4 mg of ondansetron IV (post-operative nausea and vomiting, PONV, prophylaxis) will be administered. All patients are provided with a patient-controlled analgesia pump with morphine. The primary aim is total morphine consumption in the first 24 post-operative hours. Secondary aims are pain intensity, duration of the block, patient satisfaction, side effects, time to ambulation, time to discharge, and quality of recovery.

DISCUSSION

Recruitment began in November 2019 and is expected to finish ultimo 2021. Results are expected to be published in an international peer-reviewed medical journal. The results will hopefully provide a substantial contribution to the knowledge of these new 'intertransverse process blocks' providing regional anaesthesia of the thoracic wall.

Utility of Pecs Block for Perioperative Opioid-Sparing Analgesia in Cancer-Related Breast Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Multidisciplinary treatment and multimodal analgesia are the approach to reduce mortality and morbidity of breast cancer. Pectoral nerve block (PECS I and II) is one of the modes of analgesia advocated. The primary aim is to find the risks and benefits of the block in providing analgesia for intraoperative and immediate postoperative cancer-related breast surgery and total morphine consumption. The secondary aim is to evaluate, any additional knowledge acquired, in the reduction of persistent chronic pain state and cancer recurrence, during the time frame studied. The study was conducted after the approval of the ethics committee and National Registry, and included patients of ASA I and II undergoing mastectomy surgery with axillary clearance, under general anesthesia, during the period of 2017 to 2018. A total of 60 patients were recruited, randomizing them into two groups: group 1 (n = 30): ultrasound-guided PECS I (0.2 ml/kg) and PECS II (0.4 ml/kg) block, post-induction with 0.25% levobupivacaine, maximum dose of 2 mg/kg; group 2 (n = 30): no block, only general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, vitals were monitored at regular intervals and analgesics given as per response. Postoperatively, pain was assessed using the numerical pain score and arm abduction score, until discharge. Data collected was analyzed and interpreted using statistical methods. Patients were followed up telephonically, until six months for any chronic pain and cancer recurrence instances. The PECS block group used less morphine intra and postoperatively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Group 1- Had a significant decrease in the mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure (p = 0.03). There was significant improvement in the arm abduction in the test group as compared to that in the control group (p = 0.001). The average time for block performance was 7.9 min and no complications were observed. No patients in the study groups reported chronic pain or cancer recurrence issues. The two-level PECS block is safe, effective, reliable, and easy to perform. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2017/11/010630.

Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Awake Breast Surgery: A Case Report

Thoracic fascial blocks have been included in multimodal analgesia for breast surgery. Fewer studies demonstrate its use as a regional anesthesia technique. The serratus anterior plane (SAP) block provides anesthesia to the lateral thoracic wall and the axilla, the surgical area of some breast surgeries, with a single injection.This article reports the use of the SAP block as an anesthetic technique for breast lumpectomy with axillary dissection ensuring good surgical conditions and patient safety.

Comparison of the efficacy of erector spinae plane block and peritubal infiltration of levobupivacaine for postoperative analgesia following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Background and Aims:

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a simple and safe interfascial plane block reported to provide good analgesia after thoracolumbar surgeries. We compared its efficacy with conventional peritubal local anesthetic infiltration following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Material and Methods:

A total of 60 adult patients posted for elective PCNL were randomly allocated into two groups. Postoperatively, Group I received ultrasound (US) guided peritubular infiltration block with 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine and Group II received US guided ESP block with 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine. The two groups were compared for the time to first rescue analgesic (Injection tramadol), number of rescue analgesic demands, total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours, VAS (rest and dynamic) scores and the adverse effects. The data were analyzed by unpaired t-test and Mann Whitney U test.

Results:

The time to first rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer in Group II (6.93 ± 2.15 h vs. 16.21 ± 7.53 h). The VAS scores (rest and dynamic) at eight and twelve hours of measurement were significantly lower in Group II (P < 0.05). The number of analgesic demands were less in group II (2.97 ± 0.49 vs. 1.00 ± 1.05). The total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours was less in Group II (148.33 ± 24.51 mg vs. 51.92 ± 45.78 mg).

Conclusion:

ESP block is a very effective and safe technique to provide prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia following PCNL. Peritubal local anesthetic infiltration is also a reliable technique for postoperative analgesia.

The COVID-19 Outbreak May Be Associated to a Reduced Level of Care for Breast Cancer. A Comparative Study with the Pre-COVID Era in an Italian Breast Unit

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound changes to healthcare systems as well as had deleterious repercussions on the care of cancer patients. In this comparative study, we sought to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical management of breast cancer in a breast unit in an Italian region with a low incidence of COVID-19 infection. Eighty-three patients were included, of whom 41 received surgery during the height of the pandemic (Group A, operated on between March and April 2020), and 42 during the same period of the year in 2019 (Group B). Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups with regard to age (p = 0.62), tumour size (p = 0.25), grade (p = 0.27), histology (p = 0.43), positive lymph node status (p = 0.35), and ER positive status (0.35). Waiting time for surgery was slightly longer in Group A (49.11 vs. 46.39 days, p = 0.38). Patients receiving immediate breast reconstruction were significantly less in Group A (p < 0.001). The use of sentinel node biopsy was similar in the two groups (p = 0.84). Hospital stay was longer in patients of Group B (p = 0.008). The use of regional nerve blocks was lower in Group A (p < 0.001). Patients operated on during the height of the pandemic were less likely to receive immediate reconstruction and regional nerve blocks during surgery. These features configure a situation of reduced level of care for patients with breast cancer. Efforts should be taken by the healthcare systems to maintain standard of care, even in case of a new peak in the coronavirus outbreak.

The emerging role of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast surgery: A case-matched analysis

To evaluate the benefits of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast cancer surgery, we compared outcomes of 100 patients receiving PECS vs 107 without PECS. Intraoperative use of fentanyl (P < .001) acetaminophen (P = .02), morphine (P < .01), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (P < .01) was lower in the PECS group. Occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was lower in the PECS group (P = .04). On postoperative day 1, the use of acetaminophen (P = .23), morphine (P = .83), and NSAIDS (P = .4) did not differ. Twenty-one patients received surgery with PECS block plus sedation alone. PECS block can reduce intraoperative use of opioids and analgesic drugs, and is associated with reduced occurrence of PONV. Selected patients can receive breast-conserving surgery with PECS plus sedation, avoiding general anesthesia.

Modified Pectoral Nerve Block versus Serratus Block for Analgesia Following Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Modified pectoral nerves (PECSII) and serratus blocks have been recently used for analgesia in breast surgery, but evidence comparing their analgesic benefits is limited. This prospective randomized, controlled study aims to examine the analgesic efficacy and safety profile of ultrasound-guided PECSII versus serratus blocks in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

One-hundred and eighty adult females scheduled for MRM were randomly allocated to three groups. PECS group patients received a PECSII block with 30mL of bupivacaine 0.25%, whereas SAPB group received a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) using the same volume of bupivacaine 0.25% before induction of anesthesia. The control group received general anesthesia alone. Outcomes included 24 hours morphine consumption, intraoperative fentanyl requirements, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest and during movement, time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and sedation scores.

Results

Both PECSII and serratus blocks were associated with reduced postoperative morphine consumption compared to the control group (p<0.001). Both blocks were associated with reduced intraoperative fentanyl requirements, VAS scores, and PONV as compared with the control group. Also, they were associated with prolonged time to first rescue analgesia and better sedation scores in comparison with the control group. However, there were no differences between both blocks for all outcomes.

Conclusion

PECSII and serratus blocks provide similarly adequate analgesia following modified radical mastectomy.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02946294.

Erector spinae plane block for complete surgical anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia for breast surgeries: A prospective feasibility study of 30 cases

Background and Aims:

Several regional anaesthesia techniques have been described for carcinoma of the breast surgeries in the past but all of them failed to provide adequate surgical anaesthesia and are associated with multiple complications, thus limiting their use. This prospective study was designed to assess the efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) block to provide complete surgical anaesthesia without general anaesthesia (GA) and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgery.

Methods:

Thirty females of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I, II or III scheduled for MRM were included in the study to receive unilateral ultrasound-guided ESP block preoperatively (25 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with dexamethasone 8 mg on the operating side). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ESP block to provide complete surgical anaesthesia in terms of total number of cases converted to GA.

Results:

Our study shows that ultrasound-guided single-shot ESP block provided complete surgical anaesthesia in all the patients within an average of 31.50 minutes and an average long-lasting postoperative analgesia of 41.73 hours following MRM.

Conclusion:

Our study proves that ESP block is a novel, predictable, secure, and safe option for carcinoma of the breast surgery. Thus, ESP block would surely provide a clinical advantage in these population group.

Efficacy of single-shot ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia after mastectomy: A randomized controlled study

Background

The aim of this study is to understand the effect of ultrasound (US) guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in improving the intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing mastectomies, decreasing the use of opioids and in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Methods

After local ethics committee approval, 100 patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group A with 50 patients received US guided ESPB with 30 ml of 0.25% of bupivacaine under US guidance. Group B with 50 patients received no block. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain postoperatively. All patients received 1 g intravenous intravenous paracetamol 8th hourly and morphine was used as rescue analgesia if VAS score is more than 4. Patients were monitored for VAS scores, postoperative nausea/ vomiting and total morphine consumption for a 24-hour period in a high dependency unit.

Results

Postoperative morphine consumption was found to be significantly less in patients who received US-guided ESPB compared to control group (0.12 mg ± 0.59 mg in ESPB group compared to 1.70 ± 2.29 mg which was statistically significant, p=0.000). Only 3 patients in ESP group received rescue analgesia in the form of morphine whereas 22 patients in the control group received morphine. There was no difference in PONV score in either groups. There were no complications like vascular puncture, pneumothorax, or respiratory depression in both groups.

Conclusion

US guided ESPB is quite effective in reducing perioperative pain in patients undergoing mastectomy. The trial was registered prospectively with CTRI with registration number: CTRI/2018/09/015668.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Decreases Pain and Opioid Consumption in Breast Surgery: Systematic Review

Adequate control of acute postoperative pain is crucial in breast surgeries, as it is a significant factor in the development of persistent chronic pain. Inadequate postoperative pain control increases length of hospital stays and risk of severe complications. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional block that has the ability to sufficiently block unilateral multidermatomal sensation from T1 to L3. By reviewing the literature on ESPB, this paper aimed to elucidate its efficacy in breast surgery analgesia and its role in addressing the opioid crisis in North America.

The role of pectoral nerve blocks in a day-case mastectomy service: A prospective cohort study

Background

It is now recognised that the majority of breast surgery can be safely undertaken as day case procedures. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pectoral nerve (Pecs2) blocks on recovery parameters and day case rates in patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed in a single NHS Foundation trust between 1st April 2014 and 31st December 2016. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (0-10) at 4 and 8 h, episodes of post-operative nausea ± vomiting (PONV), opioid use and day case outcome were compared between Pecs2 and no Pecs2 groups.

Results

22 patients underwent general anaesthesia (GA) + Pecs2 block and 30 GA ± local anaesthetic infiltration.Mean pain scores were significantly lower in the Pecs2 (2.5) vs no Pecs2 (4.6) group at 4 h (p = 0.0132) and 8 h, Pecs2 (1.9) vs no Pecs2 (3.6) (p = 0.0038).Episodes of PONV requiring additional anti-emetic were lower and statistically significant in the Pecs2 group (2/22, 9%) than the no Pecs2 group (14/30, 46%), (p = 0.005).Additional opioid use was significantly lower in the Pecs2 group (4/22, 18%) than in the no Pecs2 group (14/30, 46%) (p = 0.0423).18 patients in the Pecs2 group were discharged the same day in contrast to just 3 patients in the no Pecs2 group. This was highly statistically significant (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Pecs2 blocks can significantly reduce post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing mastectomy. Their use can enable units to achieve high day-case mastectomy rates.

Opioid-free anesthesia for breast cancer surgery: A comparison of ultrasound guided paravertebral and pectoral nerve blocks. A randomized controlled trial

Background and Aims:

Pectoral block (PECS)-based anesthesia without opioids decreases analgesic requirement, pain scores and post-operative nausea vomiting (PONV) compared to conventional opioid-based general anesthesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy and axillary dissection (MRM-AD). We compared PECS versus Paravertebral Block (PVB) in providing an opioid free, nerve block-based regimen. Outcomes of interest were post-operative analgesic requirement, duration of analgesia, PONV and patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Material and Methods:

This randomised controlled study involved 58 adult ASA I-III patients posted for MRM-AD. After randomization patients were induced with propofol and maintained on spontaneous ventilation with isoflurane (0.8-1.0 MAC) through i-gel. Ultrasound-guided PECS or PV blocks (30 ml of 0.1% lignocaine + 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine) were administered. Post-operative pain scores, non-opioid analgesic requirement over 24 hours, PONV, satisfaction of surgeon and patient were measured.

Results:

Between the two groups, there was no difference in demographics, ASA status, location and volume of breast tumour excised or the duration of surgery. The time from block to incision was significantly longer in the PV group (P = 0.01). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of intra and post-operative parameters, and the median VAS scores for pain at rest or during shoulder abduction were similarly low in both the groups.

Conclusion:

Both blocks result in equally prolonged analgesia and preclude requirement of opioid analgesics intra and post-operatively. PECS block is associated with lesser time to allow incision. Complications are low in both the groups. Routine use of these blocks to avoid opioids may be studied further.

Erector spinae plane block: Relatively new block on horizon with a wide spectrum of application - A case series

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial plane block where a local anaesthetic is injected in a plane preferably below the erector spinae muscle. It is supposed to work at the origin of spinal nerves based on cadaveric and contrast study. It has emerged as an effective and safe analgesic regional technique. It has a wide variety of applications ranging from control of acute postoperative pain to chronic pain. In this series, we report a series of six cases, which include postoperative pain management in breast, thoracic, and abdominal surgeries along with management of two chronic pain cases to illustrate the potential uses of continuous and single-shot ESP block.