Impact of preoperative pectoralis plane nerve blocks for mastectomy on perioperative opioid consumption: a retrospective study.

Aim: To compare perioperative opioid consumption for patients undergoing mastectomy surgery with or without pectoralis nerve (PECS) plane blocks. Patients & methods: Retrospective study evaluating 152 adult females with mastectomies. Demographics, postanesthesia care unit stay duration and opioid consumption data at three time points were collected and analyzed for statistical significance.

Results

98 patients were included in the PECS block group, 54 patients were in the general anesthesia only group. Age and BMI were comparable. Total perioperative intravenous opioid consumption was less in the PECS block group (50.88 mg) compared with the general anesthesia only group (67.83 mg), p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Acute pain after mastectomy is often severe. PECS plane block may decrease perioperative opioid consumption after mastectomy surgery compared with general anesthesia alone.