EP.TH.111Assessing the efficacy of the modified S-PECS anaesthetic block in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery – a randomised double-blind control trial. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saghir, Noman; Saghir, Reyan; Sidhu, Manu; Okhiria, Terrell; Okhiria, Renee; Sforza, Marcos
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab309.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Postoperative acute chronic pain following breast surgery is a common complication which needs resolving to allow for improved patient outcomes. Previously thoracic epidurals and paravertebral blocks (PVB) have been the gold standard administered intra-operatively. However, more recently the introduction of the Pectoral nerve block (PECS and PECS-2 blocks) has looked promising to control the pain more effectively, but further robust analysis is required to prove its efficacy. The authors aim to study the efficacy of a new block S-PECS that comprises a serratus anterior and a PECS-2 block associated. Methods: In this study we performed a prospective, single-centre randomised controlled double-blind group trial in 30 female patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery with silicone breast implants and the S-PECS block. Divided into groups of 15, the S-PECS group received local anaesthetics with the no-PECS control group receiving a saline injection. All participants were followed up at recovery (REC), 4, 6 and 12 (4H, 6H and 12H) hourly postoperatively. Results: Our results showed that the pain score in the S-PECS group was significantly less than the no-PECS group across all time points REC, 4H, 6H and 12H. Furthermore, the patients that received the S-PECS block were 74% less likely to request pain medications compared to the no-PECS group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the modified S-PECS block is an effective, efficient and safe method of controlling pain in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery with additional applications yet to be explored.