Assessing Interpectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Reduction Mammaplasty Surgery: A Case-control Study.

[BACKGROUND] Reduction mammaplasty surgery is a commonly performed procedure in plastic surgery, offering significant improvements in quality of life. However, the postoperative period may be accompanied by considerable pain. In this study, we assess the impact of interpectoral block on reducing postoperative pain.

[METHODS] The study assessed postoperative pain using the Numeric Rating Scale at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours following reduction mammaplasty surgery in a cohort of 46 patients operated on between January and September 2023. Among them, 28 patients received an interpectoral block, whereas 18 did not. Additionally, the study monitored analgesic intake, the incidence of shivering and nausea, and blood pressure and heart rate values in the postoperative period.

[RESULTS] In patients undergoing interpectoral blockade, there was a statistically significant reduction in postoperative NRS values and the need for additional analgesic therapy. However, no significant differences were observed in the incidence of nausea and shivering between the 2 groups.

[CONCLUSIONS] The implementation of pectoral nerve blocks appears to be a promising technique for mitigating postoperative pain in reduction mastopexy surgery.