The efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Background: Nerve block shows some potential in alleviating pain after mammaplasty. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty.Methods: The databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases are systematically searched for collecting the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of nerve block on pain intensity after mammaplasty.Results: This meta-analysis has included four RCTs. Compared with the control group after mammaplasty, nerve block results in remarkably reduced pain scores. At 1, 3, and 6 h, the scores are -1.84; -2.49 to -1.20 (mean difference (MD; 95% confidence interval (CI)); p < .00001, -1.04; -1.47 to -0.62; p < .00001; and -0.96; -1.48 to -0.43; p = .0004, respectively. At 24 h, nerve block shows no significant impact on pain scores: 0.31; -1.05 to 0.43; p = .41. The standard MD of analgesic consumption is significantly reduced after nerve block: -1.27; -1.73 to -0.82; p < .00001.Conclusions: Nerve block is associated with substantially reduced pain intensity at 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h, as well as decreased analgesic consumption after mammaplasty. Therefore, a nerve block is a valuable tool for postoperative care after mammaplasty and should be recommended for the surgery.