Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
13:35
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
4.8K
Serratus Plane Block for Persistent Pain after Partial Mastectomy and Axillary Node Dissection
Kayo Takimoto1, Kaoru Nishijima1, Mayu Ono1
1partment of Anesthesiology, Ikeda City Hospital, Ikeda City, Osaka, Japan.
Pain Physician
|March 24, 2016
Summary
Serratus plane block (SPB) offers effective pain relief for persistent pain after breast cancer surgery (PPBCS). This ultrasound-guided technique improved a patient's quality of life by reducing chronic neuropathic pain.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Regional Anesthesia
- Oncology
Background:
- Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery (PPBCS) is a debilitating chronic neuropathic condition.
- Current treatments for PPBCS may not always provide adequate relief or can have significant side effects.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman experienced severe, persistent neuropathic pain, numbness, and hyperesthesia post-mastectomy and axillary node dissection.
- Her symptoms significantly impacted daily life, sleep, and led to depression, with pharmacological therapies proving ineffective.
Findings:
- Ultrasound-guided Serratus plane block (SPB) using 1% lidocaine was administered 10 times over 6 months.
- This intervention, combined with multimodal therapy, led to significant pain reduction and improved functional status.
Implications:
- SPB is a safe and effective treatment modality for managing persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.
- This technique offers an advantageous alternative to neuraxial approaches for PPBCS management.
- Improved pain control facilitated physical therapy, enhancing overall patient recovery and quality of life.
