Pectoral Nerve Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block and Post-Breast Surgery Complications

 The use of regional methods in various types of surgery such as mastectomy is very popular today. Various methods, including Pecs I-II block, erector spinae, epidural thoracic, and paravertebral block have been used in these operations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Recent studies on the effect of μ receptor stimulation on the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis have been published, which make the use of a suitable regional approach with low complications and high efficacy attractive. Among the side effects of breast surgery in patients with cancer are nausea and vomiting, the risk of which is reduced through regional procedures that reduce the need for opioids.

 We randomly divided 64 patients into two pectoralis block (Pecs B) and erector spinae block (ESB) groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 2, 4, 6, and 10 hours, nausea and vomiting, need for opioids, and hemodynamic changes were recorded.

 The analyses showed that pain score was significantly higher in the Pecs B group compared to the ESB group, while VAS score, as well as the frequency of opioid use, were lower, which could be due to medial branch of the anterior intercostal nerve. Hemodynamic changes were also significantly greater in the ESB group, which could be due to the proximity of the block to the thoracic sympathetic nerves and spinal cord.

 Despite the statistically significant differences in analgesia and hemodynamic changes, the seemingly superiority of the Pecs B is not clinically significant and the use of both types of the block is selective. Regarding the need for opioids and nausea, Pecs B showed a tangible advantage over ESB.