Comparing the Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block and Gabapentin on the Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome.

The reported incidence of post mastectomy pain syndrome following surgery for breast cancer varies considerably with reports from as low as 4-6% to as high as 100%. This pain can be severe enough to interfere with sleep and performance of daily activities. Post mastectomy pain syndrome is a neuropathic pain condition that can follow surgical treatment for breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block with gabapentin on post mastectomy pain. Sixty patients referred from department of oncology and surgery to pain clinic were allocated to two groups. In group A stellate ganglion block was performed with 8ml bupivacaine 0.25%. In group B, patients were treated with gabapentin 900mg per day in three divided doses. Drug dose was increased if necessary until eight weeks. Pain score and quality of life were determined. Data were collected before treatment, 48 hours and every 15 days after treatment until three months. Pain scores at 48 hours after treating were higher in group B than group A and lower at one week, one month and three months after treatment which were statically significant. (P<0.001, 0.024, 0.047 and <0.001 respectively) In our study gabapentin was used as an ideal treatment technique for chronic pain following breast surgery.