A Comparative Study Between Ultrasound-guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block and Conventional IV Analgesics in Postoperative Pain Management in Modified Radical Mastectomy

All patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were assigned to one of the following two groups:Group A: Serratus anterior plane block group (SAPB group): this group consists of 20 patients who received ultra sound guided serratus anterior plane block just after induction of anesthesia and Group B: IV analgesics group (control group): this group consists of 20 patients who did not receive any type of block.Further evaluations were carried out by a different investigator who was unaware of the patients' grouping. The degree of post-operative pain was assessed at: just upon arrival to the PACU, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours using the VAS score and the haemodynamic data and respiratory rate were measured during the first 24 hours after the end of the surgery. Postoperative analgesia regimen was standard in both groups; patients from each groups received 1 gm of Paracetamol Q 8 hours.

Patients reporting VAS ( visual analogue score) score greater than 40, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate >20% from the baseline, were given Pethidine (50 mg IV) as rescue analgesic. While, those reporting VAS score less than 40 with mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate >20% from the baseline but still complaining; Ketoralac (30 mg IV) was given with a maximum dose of 120 mg/ day.