Open AccessThe emerging role of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast surgery: A case‐matched analysis
Author(s) -
Fancellu Alessandro,
Perra Teresa,
Ninniri Chiara,
Cottu Pietrina,
Deiana Giulia,
Feo Claudio F.,
Porcu Alberto
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the breast journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1524-4741
pISSN - 1075-122X
DOI - 10.1111/tbj.13939
Subject(s) - medicine , fentanyl , sedation , anesthesia , acetaminophen , nausea , analgesic , vomiting , breast surgery , postoperative nausea and vomiting , morphine , nerve block , surgery , breast cancer , block (permutation group theory) , cancer , geometry , mathematics
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.