[Tumescent infiltrative anaesthesia for mastectomy: about six cases]

To assess safety and efficacy of tumescent infiltration of the supraclavicular nerve and the anterior and lateral branches of the intercostal nerves in major breast surgery.

A retrospective analysis of six selected patients undergoing mastectomy was performed. A mixture composed of 150mg ropivacaine, 400mg of lidocaine and 0.5mg epinephrine diluted in 500ml Ringer's were administered subcutaneously as follows: 80ml along the parasternal line from the second to the sixth intercostal space, 80ml along the mid axillary line from the second to the sixth intercostal space, 80ml along the infraclavicular line, 80ml in the space between the pectoralis muscle and the mammary gland and 80ml in the axilla in case of axillary dissection.

This technique achieved effective analgesia in six patients associated with sedation or light anaesthesia; conversion to general anaesthesia or supplementation with local anaesthesia was not required. No complication was observed. No emesis was noted.

This technique provides adequate peroperative analgesia and is a technically low-risk procedure. Further evaluation of this technique is recommended.