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%, 10 mL) and Pecs II (bupivacain 0.25%, 20 mL) 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 ± 54.0 μg and 115.7 ± 98.1 μg, 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 24 h (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 ± 1.2 h vs 27.0 ± 3.1 h, 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.