PECBLOCK for the Treatment of Pain After Breast Surgery

The Pectoral Nerve Block (PECBLOCK) for the Treatment of Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery.

Pain after breast cancer surgery could be severe and about 1/3 of patients will develop chronic pain. The PECBLOCK is the injection of local anesthetics between the two pectoral muscles to block pectoral nerves and intercostal nerves innervating the breast. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the PECBLOCK performed under echoguidance in minor and major breast surgery. The prevention of chronic pain following surgery will also be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women aged 18-85 yrs old
• patients ASA status I-IV

Exclusion Criteria:

• refusal of the PECBLOCK
• allergy to a drug used in the protocol (local anesthetic)
• patients with chronic pain before the surgery