The Quest for Opioid-Free Analgesia in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Comparative Analysis of PECS, SAP Blocks, and Tumescent Infiltration

The Quest for Opioid-Free Analgesia in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Comparative Analysis of Pectoral Nerve (PECS) Blocks, Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) Blocks, and Tumescent Infiltration

Reduction mammoplasty is associated with significant early postoperative pain due to the extent of the incision and glandular resection. Effective regional analgesia may reduce opioid requirements; ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block type II (PECS II), serratus anterior plane block (SAPS) and surgeon-administered local anesthetic wound infiltration.

This is a multi-center, prospective observational study in patients aged 18-70 years (ASA I-III) scheduled for elective reduction mammoplasty. The investigators will compare the two routinely applied techniques with respect to perioperative opioid consumption (primary outcome), postoperative pain scores on the Numeric Rating Scale, total rescue analgesic dose within the first 24 postoperative hours. A minimum of 58 patients will be enrolled based on a priori power analysis. The aim is to determine which of the two existing analgesia protocols better minimizes postoperative analgesic consumption and supports early recovery, in order to inform future pain management protocols.

Reduction mammoplasty is associated with significant early postoperative pain due to the extent of the incision and glandular resection. Effective regional analgesia may reduce opioid requirements and support early recovery, but no single technique has been established as the standard for breast reduction surgery. Two approaches are used routinely at the investigators' institution: ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block type II (PECS II) with long-acting local anesthetic, and surgeon-administered local anesthetic wound infiltration.

This is a single-center, prospective observational study in patients aged 18-70 years (ASA I-III) scheduled for elective reduction mammoplasty. Both analgesic techniques are part of routine clinical care; no additional intervention, drug, or procedure is applied for study purposes, and the choice of technique is made by the clinical team independently of the study. The investigators will compare the two routinely applied techniques with respect to perioperative opioid consumption (primary outcome), postoperative pain scores on the Numeric Rating Scale, total rescue analgesic dose within the first 24 postoperative hours, incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of hospital stay (secondary outcomes). A minimum of 58 patients will be enrolled based on a priori power analysis. The aim is to determine which of the two existing analgesia protocols better minimizes postoperative analgesic consumption and supports early recovery, in order to inform future pain management protocols.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for elective oncoplastic or reconstructive reduction mammoplasty surgery.
• Patients aged between 18 and 70 years.American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I, II, or III.
• Patients who voluntarily agree to participate and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal to participate in the study or to receive regional anesthesia.
• Active localized infection at the site of the proposed block or surgical area.
• Coagulopathy, bleeding disorders, or patients on active anticoagulant therapy.
• Psychiatric or cognitive disorders that prevent the understanding of the NRS or QoR-15 scoring systems.
• History of revision breast surgery or emergency procedures.