Analgesic Strategies After Mastectomy: RIB vs RIB + DPIPB

A Retrospective Evaluation of Systemic Analgesia, Rhomboid Intercostal Block, and Combined Rhomboid Intercostal Block With Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block After Mastectomy

This retrospective observational study evaluates postoperative pain outcomes in patients undergoing elective mastectomy who received systemic analgesia, rhomboid intercostal block (RIB), or combined rhomboid intercostal block with deep parasternal intercostal plane block (RIB + DPIPB). Medical records from October 2024 to October 2025 will be reviewed. Primary outcomes include pain scores within the first 24 hours, with secondary outcomes including opioid consumption, additional analgesic requirements, patient satisfaction, and early postoperative complications. All data will be analyzed retrospectively and anonymously.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients aged 18-70 years
• Elective mastectomy performed between October 2024 and October 2025
• ASA physical status I-III
• Complete postoperative pain and analgesia records for the first 24 hours
• Clearly documented analgesic technique (systemic analgesia, RIB, or RIB + DPIPB)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Incomplete or missing medical records
• Emergency mastectomy or emergency surgery
• Reoperation within the first 24 hours postoperatively
• Major intraoperative complications preventing standard analgesia
• Neurological or psychiatric conditions interfering with pain assessment