Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomised Study; [Modifiye Radikal Mastektomi Hastalarında Erektör Spina Plan Bloğu ve Serratus Anterior Plan Bloğunun Karşılaştırılması: Prospektif Randomize Çalışma]

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among females. In this study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided (USG) erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for unilateral breast cancer. Methods: After obtaining clearance from the institute’s ethical committee, this prospective double-blinded clinical study was conducted from August 2021 to April 2022. Females aged between 18 and 65 years with body mass index ≤30 kg m-2 and ASA I and II who were scheduled for MRM for breast cancer were included in this study. Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group E (USG-ESPB was administered) and Group S (USG-SAPB was administered). Both the groups received 0.4 mL kg-1 of 0.25% bupivacaine. Duration of analgesia of the patients, intra-operative and post-operative hemodynamic changes, intra-operative opioid & post-operative analgesic consumption, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores and adverse effects like vascular puncture, hypotension, pleural puncture or pneumothorax or local anaesthetic toxicity were recorded. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group E as compared to Group S and was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean NRS score was found to be significantly lower in Group E as compared to Group S at 2,4,8 and 12 hours which was statistically significant (p<0.005). Though the intraoperative opioid requirement was comparable among both groups, the postoperative analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the Group E compared to the Group S (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, we concluded that USG-ESPB is superior to USG-SAPB in the post-operative period in patients undergoing unilateral MRM. © 2022 Anestezi Dergisi. All rights reserved.