Ultrasound-guided Thoracic Interfascial Plane Nerve Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Control After Modified Radical Mastectomy

This study is a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial comparing the efficacy of two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM). The two techniques under investigation are the Thoracic Interfascial Plane Block (TIPB) and the Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB). Both nerve blocks are administered to provide targeted pain relief by numbing specific nerves involved in the surgical area.

Methodology:

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either TIPB or ESPB. The randomization will ensure unbiased distribution of participants across both groups. The nerve blocks will be administered preoperatively under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement and effectiveness.

Assessments and Measurements:

Pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at multiple time points postoperatively, including at rest and during movement. The primary outcome measure is the total amount of rescue pain medication required within the first 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the time to first rescue analgesic, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, hemodynamic parameters, sleep quality, time to first ambulation, VAS scores for pain and nausea, and overall patient satisfaction.

Safety and Monitoring:

Participants will be monitored for adverse events, including complications related to the nerve block techniques. Hemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be closely observed during the perioperative period to ensure patient safety.

Significance:

The findings from this study aim to identify a superior pain management strategy that minimizes opioid consumption, reduces side effects, and enhances recovery and patient satisfaction following MRM. If successful, the results could inform clinical practice and improve postoperative care for breast cancer patients.

This study is conducted at Ain Shams University hospitals and adheres to ethical guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Inclusion criteria

• Female patients older than 21 years old
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II.

Exclusion criteria

• Known allergy to one of the study's medications.
• Skin infections at the site of the needle puncture.
• Significant organ dysfunction (hepatic, renal, or cardiac dysfunction), coagulopathy or recent anticoagulant use, epilepsy.
• Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, pulmonary compromise .