Comparing the Analgesic Efficacy of the Serratus-Intercostal Plane Block With Conventional Pharmacological Treatment in Patients Following Radical Mastectomy

Postoperative pain following radical mastectomy is common and can significantly impair recovery and quality of life. Regional anesthesia through the serratus-intercostal plane block (BRILMA) has been proposed as an effective strategy for pain control.

This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of BRILMA versus conventional pharmacological treatment in patients undergoing radical mastectomy.

A prospective, observational cohort study with two comparative groups was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of BRILMA versus conventional treatment following radical mastectomy. Women over 18 years scheduled for radical mastectomy were enrolled and assigned to groups based on the analgesic technique received during standard clinical care: the BRILMA group (ultrasound-guided block with 15 mL of 3% ropivacaine) and the control group (standard regimen with paracetamol, diclofenac, tramadol, dexamethasone, and ondansetron). The primary outcome was pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated, and statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests.

A total of 13 patients were included (six in the BRILMA group, seven in the control group). VAS scores were significantly lower in the BRILMA group at 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (p<0.05). Additionally, lower systolic blood pressure was observed at 12 hours in the BRILMA group. No complications related to the technique were reported.

BRILMA is a safe and effective analgesic technique, demonstrating superiority over conventional treatment for controlling postoperative pain following radical mastectomy.