The efficacy of ultrasound-guided type-I and type-II pectoral nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia after breast augmentation: A prospective, randomised study.

[PURPOSE] The present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided Pecs I and II blocks for postoperative analgesia after sub-pectoral breast augmentation.

[METHODS] Fifty-four adult female patients undergoing breast augmentation were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (Group C, n=27) who were not subjected to block treatment and Pecs group (Group P, n=27) who received Pecs I (bupivacain 0.25%, 10mL) and Pecs II (bupivacain 0.25%, 20mL) block. Patient-controlled fentanyl analgesia was used for postoperative pain relief in both groups, and the patients were observed for the presence of any block-related complications.

[RESULTS] The 24-h fentanyl consumption was smaller in Group P [mean±SD, 378.7±54.0μg and 115.7±98.1μg, respectively; P<0.001]. VAS scores in Group P were significantly lower at the time of admission to the post-anaesthetic care unit and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24h (P<0.001). The rates of nausea and vomiting were higher in Group C than in Group P (9 vs 2, P=0.018). Hospital stay duration was shorter in Group P than in Group C (24.4±1.2h vs 27.0±3.1h, P<0.001). No block-related complications were recorded.

[CONCLUSIONS] Combine used of Pecs I and II blocks provide superior postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing breast augmentation and shortens hospital stay.