Our Summary

This research study looked at the effectiveness and safety of a new pain management method after breast cancer surgery. The method, called a serratus anterior plane (SAP) block, was compared to the traditional method of using only general anesthesia.

The study involved 87 women between the ages of 30 and 81 who were scheduled for a specific type of breast cancer surgery called a modified radical mastectomy. They were divided into two groups: one group received the new SAP block plus general anesthesia, while the other group received only general anesthesia.

The researchers found that the women who received the SAP block reported lower pain levels in the hours following surgery. They also used significantly less pain medication compared to the group that received only general anesthesia.

In simple terms, the study found that using a SAP block can effectively reduce post-surgery pain and the need for pain medication in women undergoing a certain type of breast cancer surgery. This technique could potentially improve the recovery process for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is a serratus anterior plane (SAP) block?
  2. How does the use of a SAP block affect post-surgery pain levels and medication usage compared to general anesthesia alone?
  3. Can the SAP block technique improve the recovery process for women undergoing a modified radical mastectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, if you are scheduled for a radical mastectomy, it may be beneficial to discuss the possibility of receiving a SAP block with your doctor. This could help manage your pain more effectively and potentially reduce the amount of pain medication you may need during your recovery. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your options for pain management after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy include those with larger tumors, tumors that are close to the chest wall or skin, multiple tumors in different areas of the breast, or tumors that have spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. Additionally, patients with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, such as those with a BRCA gene mutation, may also be recommended for a radical mastectomy.

Timeline

Before the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and tests to prepare for surgery
  • Patient may have discussions with their healthcare team about the surgery and potential side effects
  • Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting and stopping certain medications
  • On the day of the surgery, patient is taken to the operating room and given general anesthesia
  • Surgeon performs the radical mastectomy, removing the breast tissue and possibly lymph nodes
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room

After the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the chest and armpit area
  • Patient is given pain medication to manage the discomfort
  • Patient may have drains placed to remove excess fluid from the surgical site
  • Patient begins physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected arm and chest
  • Patient is monitored for any signs of infection or complications
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues recovery at home
  • Follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are scheduled to monitor healing and discuss further treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about radical mastectomy and the use of a SAP block include:

  • What is a serratus anterior plane (SAP) block and how does it work?
  • How does a SAP block compare to traditional pain management methods for breast cancer surgery?
  • Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with receiving a SAP block?
  • Will I still need to take pain medication after surgery if I receive a SAP block?
  • How long does the pain relief from a SAP block typically last?
  • Are there any factors that may make me ineligible for a SAP block?
  • How experienced is the medical team with performing SAP blocks?
  • What are the potential benefits of receiving a SAP block for my specific type of breast cancer surgery?
  • How soon after surgery can I expect to feel the effects of the SAP block?
  • Are there any alternative pain management methods that I should consider in addition to or instead of a SAP block?

Reference

Authors: Tang W, Luo G, Lu Y, Chen C, Liu H, Li Y. Journal: J Clin Anesth. 2021 Nov;74:110377. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2021.110377. Epub 2021 Jun 9. PMID: 34118568