A comparison of incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) , postoperative pain severity and recovery parameters in breast cancer patients receiving opioid or opioid-free general anesthesia.

Breast cancer is one of the most common oncologic diagnosis in women. Surgery is traditionally performed under general anesthesia with opioid-based analgesia. It is associated with higher incidences of PONV, more severe acute postoperative pain and increased incidences of chronic pain. The possibility of higher risk of metastasis has also been reported.

The purpose of our study is to compare the opioid-free general anesthesia with the opioid-based general anesthesia with respect to the quality of recovery, postoperative pain and cancer recurrence and metastasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. first diagnosis of histologically confirmed primary breast cancer without known extension beyond the breast and axillary nodes;
2. ASA physical statue I-II;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. chronic pain and opioid administration history;
2. allergy to local anesthetics or NSAIDs;
3. coagulation disorders;
4. local infection at regional block site;
5. unable to comply to study protocol schedule for logistic or other reasons;
6. refusal to participate to the study；
7. breast reconstruction with implants or latissimus dorsi flap