A randomised controlled trial of pectoral nerve-2 (PECS 2) block vs. serratus plane block for chronic pain after mastectomy

Thoracic interfascial plane blocks are effective for post-mastectomy acute analgesia. However, their effects on chronic pain are uncertain. We randomly allocated 80 women equally to pectoral nerve-2 (PECS 2) block or serratus plane block. The pectoral nerve-2 block reduced the rate of moderate or severe chronic pain from 13/40 (33%) with the serratus plane block to 4/40 (10%), p = 0.03, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 0.23 (0.07–0.80), p = 0.02. The rates of pain-free women at six postoperative months were indeterminate, 10/40 (25%) after serratus plane block vs. 19/40 (48%) after pectoral nerve-2 block, p = 0.06, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 2.9 (1.1–7.5), p = 0.03. Health-related quality of life at six postoperative months was similar after serratus plane and pectoral nerve-2 blocks, mean (SD) EQ-5D-3L scores 0.87 (0.15) vs. 0.91 (0.14), respectively, p = 0.21. The pectoral nerve-2 block reduced median (IQR [range]) morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours from 6 (3–9 [1–25]) mg to 4 (2–7 [0–37]) mg, p = 0.04. However, acute pain scores after serratus plane and pectoral nerve-2 blocks were similar, median (IQR [range]) 23 (11–35 [0–70]) mm vs. 18 (11–27 [0–61]) mm, respectively, p = 0.44. Pectoral nerve-2 block reduced chronic pain 6 months after mastectomy compared with serratus plane block.     

Real‐time electromagnetic navigation for breast‐conserving surgery using NaviKnife technology: A matched case‐control study

Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) is a mainstay in breast cancer treatment. For nonpalpable breast cancers, current strategies have limited accuracy, contributing to high positive margin rates. We developed NaviKnife, a surgical navigation system based on real‐time electromagnetic (EM) tracking. The goal of this study was to confirm the feasibility of intraoperative EM navigation in patients with nonpalpable breast cancer and to assess the potential value of surgical navigation. We recruited 40 patients with ultrasound visible, single, nonpalpable lesions, undergoing BCS. Feasibility was assessed by equipment functionality and sterility, acceptable duration of the operation, and surgeon feedback. Secondary outcomes included specimen volume, positive margin rate, and reoperation outcomes. Study patients were compared to a control group by a matched case‐control analysis. There was no equipment failure or breach of sterility. The median operative time was 66 (44‐119) minutes with NaviKnife vs 65 (34‐158) minutes for the control (P = .64). NaviKnife contouring time was 3.2 (1.6‐9) minutes. Surgeons rated navigation as easy to setup, easy to use, and useful in guiding nonpalpable tumor excision. The mean specimen volume was 95.4 ± 73.5 cm³ with NaviKnife and 140.7 ± 100.3 cm³ for the control (P = .01). The positive margin rate was 22.5% with NaviKnife and 28.7% for the control (P = .52). The re‐excision specimen contained residual disease in 14.3% for NaviKnife and 50% for the control (P = .28). Our results demonstrate that real‐time EM navigation is feasible in the operating room for BCS. Excisions performed with navigation result in the removal of less breast tissue without compromising postive margin rates.     

Thoracic paravertebral block versus pectoral nerve block for analgesia after breast surgery

BackgroundPectoral nerve block (Pecs) is a novel interfascial plane block which can provide analgesia after breast surgery while paravertebral block (PVB) is widely used for this purpose. We evaluated the difference between the two techniques in regard to morphine consumption and analgesic efficacy after modified radical mastectomy (MRM).MethodsSixty patients undergoing elective MRM were randomly allocated into either PVB with 15–20 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% at the level of fourth thoracic vertebra or Pecs block with 10 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% injected inbetween pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscle and another 20 ml levobubivacaine 0.25% inbetween pectorlis minor and serratus anterior muscle. Primary outcome measure was morphine consumption in the first 24 h while secondary outcome measures included pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl consumption as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).ResultsPostoperative morphine consumed at 24 h was significantly lower in Pecs group [21 (20–25) mg] than in PVB group [28 (22–31) mg], (p = 0.002). Time for first request of morphine was longer in Pecs group [175 (155–220) min] than in PVB group [137.5 (115–165) min], (p < 0.001). Numerical rating score (NRS) at rest was lower in Pecs group compared with PVB group at 1 h, 6 h and 12 h (p < 0.001) but at 18 h and 24 h it was lower in PVB group compared with Pecs group (p = 0.008 and <0.001 respectively). During movement, NRS was significantly lower at 1st hour in Pecs group (p < 0.001) while at 18 h and 24 h it was significantly lower in PVB group (p < 0.001). PONV was comparable between both groups.ConclusionPecs block reduced postoperative morphine consumption in the first 24 and pain scores in the first 12 h in comparison with PVB after mastectomy.     

The role of serratus anterior plane and pectoral nerves blocks in cardiac surgery,thoracic surgery and trauma: a qualitative systematic review

Serratus anterior plane and pectoral nerves blocks are recently described alternatives to established regional anaesthesia techniques in cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and trauma. We performed a systematic review to establish the current state of evidence for the analgesic role of these fascial plane blocks in these clinical settings. We identified relevant studies by searching multiple databases and trial registries from inception to June 2019. Study heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis and studies were instead qualitatively summarised and stratified by type of surgery and comparator. We identified 51 studies: nine randomised control trials; 13 cohort studies; 19 case series; and 10 case reports. The majority of randomised controlled trials studied the serratus anterior plane block in thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with only two investigating pectoral nerves blocks. The evidence in thoracic trauma comprised only case series and reports. Results indicate that single-injection serratus anterior plane and the pectoral nerves blocks reduce pain scores and opioid consumption compared with systemic analgesia alone in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac-related interventional procedures and chest trauma for approximately 6–12 h. The duration of action appears longer than intercostal nerve blocks but may be shorter than thoracic paravertebral blockade. Block duration may be prolonged by a continuous catheter technique with potentially similar results to thoracic epidural analgesia. There were no reported complications and the risk of haemodynamic instability appears to be low. The current evidence, though limited, supports the efficacy and safety of serratus anterior plane and the pectoral nerves blocks as analgesic options in cardiothoracic surgery.     

乳房整形技术在乳腺癌保乳手术中的应用效果分析

目的：探究分析在乳腺癌保乳手术当中,乳房整形手术的应用临床效果。方法：选自我院2010年～2012年收治的在保乳手术当中应用乳房整形手术的患者共50例,对其,I盘床资料进行回顾性分析,对患者术后美容效果进行调查。结果：全部患者均成功完成手术,术后对患者进行随访,随访时间为（6～12）个月,无患者出现局部或者区域淋巴结肿瘤复发迹象;患者手术后乳房美容效果优良率为92％（46／5O）。结论：乳腺癌患者可以通过乳房整形技术进行保乳治疗,该手术方法有着安全高效的优点,手术之后患者乳房外形以及整体美容整体满意程度较高,值得临床推广。     

Combined thoracic paravertebral and pectoral nerve blocks for breast surgery under sedation: a prospective observational case series

Avoidance of general anaesthesia for breast surgery may be because of clinical reasons or patient choice. There is emerging evidence that the use of regional anaesthesia and the avoidance of volatile anaesthetics and opioid analgesia may have beneficial effects on oncological outcomes. We conducted a prospective observational case series of 16 breast cancer surgeries performed under thoracic paravertebral plus pectoral nerve block with propofol sedation to demonstrate feasibility of technique, patient acceptability and surgeon satisfaction. Fifteen out of 16 cases were successfully completed under sedation and regional anaesthesia, with one conversion to general anaesthesia. Eleven out of 16 cases required low‐dose intra‐operative opioid analgesia. Out of the 15 surgical procedures completed under regional anaesthesia with sedation, all patients experienced either no or minimal intra‐operative pain, and all would choose this anaesthetic technique again. Surgeon‐reported operating conditions were ‘indistinguishable from general anaesthesia’ in most cases, and surgeons were ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the technique after every procedure. Combined thoracic paravertebral plus pectoral nerve block with intra‐operative sedation is a feasible technique for breast surgery.     

Concepts of seroma formation and prevention in breast cancer surgery

BACKGROUND: Seroma formation is the commonest early sequel to breast cancer surgery especially when axillary dissection is undertaken. It is associated with significant morbidity and financial burden. The main pathophysiology of seroma is still poorly understood and remains controversial. The optimal ways to reduce the incidence of seroma formation are unknown. The aim of this paper is to review the concepts of pathophysiology of seroma formation following mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery for cancer. The various techniques in practice to reduce its incidence and treatment are outlined. METHOD: MEDLINE search of published work on the subject with respect to its pathophysiology, prevention and treatment was carried out. Manual retrieval of relevant articles in the reference lists of the original papers from the MEDLINE was then carried out. RESULT: The pathophysiology and mechanism of seroma formation in breast cancer surgery remains controversial and not fully understood. Methods of prevention and treatment of seroma remain varied and inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests an increase in the incidence of seroma because of thermal trauma from electrocautery dissection, but this is indispensable for surgical haemostasis. Obliteration of dead space by various flap apposition techniques has been shown to be advantageous in reducing incidence and volume of seroma. Low-pressure suction drainage reduces seroma volume and duration of drainage leading to earlier drain removal. Preventive measures have to be tailored according to individual patient and operative factors.     

Outcomes of single‐port gasless laparoscopic breast‐conserving surgery for breast cancer: An observational study

To compare the clinical efficacy and aesthetic perspectives between single‐port gasless laparoscopic breast‐conserving surgery (SGL‐BCS) and traditional breast‐conserving surgery (T‐BCS) in early‐stage breast cancer. A total of 70 patients who were diagnosed with stage I or stage II breast cancer participated in this study, which 35 patients underwent SGL‐BCS, while others underwent T‐BCS. There were no death or severe intraoperative complications, and none of the patients exhibited regional recurrence, distant metastases, or any critical complications after 2 years follow‐up. SGL‐BCS is feasible and safe surgery, and has advantages in terms of a single, shorter, hidden incision, high‐satisficed aesthetic outcome and less intraoperative blood loss.     

Evaluation of the central pedicled,modified Wise‐pattern technique as a standard level II oncoplastic breast‐conserving surgery: A retrospective clinicopathological study of 190 breast cancer patients

Involving 207 breast cancer patients a retrospective study was performed to facilitate the acceptance of the central pedicled, modified Wise‐pattern therapeutic mammoplasty technique as a standard volume‐displacement level II oncoplastic breast‐conserving surgery (OBCS). The overall local recurrence rate was 5.8% with an average follow‐up of 43.9 months. The median time to the initiation of the adjuvant treatment was 4.9 weeks. Due to positive surgical margins, 13 (6.84%) completional surgeries were performed. In total, 45 complications (12.9%) were recorded. The median values of the esthetic outcomes represented improved cosmetic results. The modified Wise‐pattern technique could be a standard, safe and repeatable level II volume‐displacement OBCS.     

乳腺癌保乳手术的体会

目的　总结和探讨乳腺癌保乳手术保持乳房良好外形 ,在术前、术中和术后应注意的问题。方法　 3 7例患者接受了乳腺癌保乳手术。术后从乳头外观、双乳头水平差距、双乳头距同侧腋前线垂直距离之差距和瘢痕对乳房外形影响等四个方面的量化标准 ,评估保留乳房的外形美观效果。四项指标积分≥ 2 1分为优 ,13～ 2 0分为良 ,<13分为差。结果　术后保留乳房外形优良者 3 0例 ( 81.1% ) ,乳房外形较差者 7例 ( 18.9% )。常见问题是因切口瘢痕致乳房变形、乳头歪斜、乳头不自然挺立 ,以及与对侧乳头水平高度差距明显。结论　术前认真设计手术切口、术中注意术区皮瓣和保留乳腺组织的彻底游离以及切除、缝合技巧 ,术后切口包扎时注意避免压迫乳头等 ,将有助于保持保留乳房的外形美观效果     

Intraoperative ultrasonography‐guided surgery: An effective modality for breast conservation after neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy

Margin status is one of the significant prognostic factors for recurrence in breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). The issue that merits consideration for oncologic safety and cost‐effectiveness about the modalities to assure clear margins at initial surgical intervention remains controversial after neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The presented study aimed to assess the impact of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS)‐guided surgery on accurate localization of tumor site, adequacy of excision with clear margins, and healthy tissue sacrifice in BCS after NAC. Patients who had IOUS‐guided BCS ater NAC were reviewed. No patient had preoperative localization with wire or radiotracer. Intraoperative real‐time sonographic localization, sonographic margin assessment during resection, macroscopic and sonographic examination of specimen, and cavity shavings (CS) were done as the standard procedure. No frozen assessment was performed. One hundred ninety‐four patients were included, in which 42.5% had pCR. IOUS‐guided surgery accomplished successful localization of the targeted lesions in all patients. Per protocol, all inked margins on CS specimens were reported to be tumor‐free in permanent histopathology. No re‐excision or mastectomy was required. For a setting without CS, the negative predictive value (NPV) of IOUS rate was 96%. IOUS was found to over and underestimate tumor response to NAC both in 2% of patients. IOUS‐guided surgery seems to be an efficient modality to perform adequate BCS after NAC with no additional localization method. Especially, when CS is integrated as a standard to BCS, IOUS seems to provide safe surgery for patients with no false negativity and a high rate of NPV.     

保乳手术与改良根治术治疗乳腺癌的体会

【摘要】 目的 探讨保乳手术与改良根治术治疗乳腺癌的临床效果。方法 对我院从2005年1月到2007年6月期间乳腺癌治疗的临床资料进行回顾性分析。选择60名经手术治疗的乳腺癌患者,分为观察组和对照组,每组各30例,对照组给予改良根治术治疗,观察组给予保乳手术治疗,随访5年观察临床效果。 结果 观察组患者在手术时间、住院时间、术中出血量及并发症发生率方面明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。两组5年生存率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 保乳手术治疗乳腺癌的效果确切,优点多,临床医师应根据患者的适应证合理应用。     

Single-shot pectoral plane (PECs I and PECs II) blocks versus continuous local anaesthetic infusion analgesia or both after non-ambulatory breast-cancer surgery: a prospective,randomised, double-blind trial

Background

Pectoral plane blocks (PECs) are increasingly used in analgesia for patients undergoing breast surgery, and were recently found to be at least equivalent to single-shot paravertebral anaesthesia. However, there are no data comparing PECs with the popular practice of continuous local anaesthetic wound infusion (LA infusion) analgesia for breast surgery. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of PECs blocks with LA infusion, or a combination of both in patients undergoing non-ambulatory breast-cancer surgery.

A randomised controlled trial of the pectoral nerves-2 (PECS-2) block for radical mastectomy

We randomly allocated 50 women scheduled for radical mastectomy to pectoral nerves-2 (PECS-2) block (n = 25) or no block (n = 25), 20 and 22 of whom we analysed for the primary outcome of a cumulative 24-h postoperative morphine dose. We gave intra-operative sufentanil, magnesium, dexamethasone and droperidol. Participants received regular postoperative paracetamol, ibuprofen and patient-controlled intravenous morphine. Pectoral nerves-2 block reduced mean (SD) cumulative 24 h postoperative morphine dose from 9.7 (8.9) mg to 5.0 (5.4) mg and 48 h morphine dose from 12.8 (12.5) mg to 6.0 (6.5) mg, p = 0.04 for both. The mean (SD) pain scores 24 h and 48 h after surgery were similar with or without block: 0.8 (1.4) vs. 1.2 (1.9), p = 0.39; and 0.2 (0.4) vs. 0.9 (1.8), p = 0.09, respectively. Rates of postoperative nausea, vomiting and pruritus were unaffected. Rates of chronic pain at six postoperative months were 2/19 and 2/18 after block and no block, respectively, p = 0.95.