Evaluation of ultrasound guided pectoralis nerve block for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy under general anaesthesia

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies found in women across the world requiring surgery. These surgeries lead to immense postoperative pain, which is traditionally managed with opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study aimed to compare the efficacy of opioids with ultrasound guided (USG) PECs block in managing the postoperative pain among patients who undergo modified radical mastectomy. Methods and results: Fifty patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy who meet the inclusion criteria are involved in the study, the patients will be then allocated into two groups by computer generated table and Group A will receive USG guided PECs block with 20ml 0.5% Ropivacaine before general anaesthesia and Group B will receive only general anaesthesia. Primary outcome is measured in terms of time for first rescue analgesic in postoperative period and secondary outcome with respect to intraoperative haemodynamic changes i.e., PONV, total opioid consumption. Conclusion: PECs block definitely helped to reduce the post-operative opioid consumption thereby reducing the side effects of opioids. Keywords: breast cancer; PECs block; ultrasound; general anesthesia