Background: Ultrasound guided pectoral nerves (PECS) block types I and II are novel techniques to block the pectoral, intercostobrachial, third to sixth intercostals, and the long thoracic nerves. They may provide good analgesia during and after breast surgery. This study aimed to compare prospectively the quality of analgesia after modified radical mastectomy surgery using general anesthesia and PECS blocks versus general anesthesia alone. Methods: Sixty adult female patients scheduled for elective unilateral modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either general anesthesia plus PECS block (PECS group, n = 30) or general anesthesia alone (control group, n = 30). Results: Statistically significant lower visual analog scale pain scores were observed in the PECS group than in the control group patients. Moreover, postoperative morphine consumption in the PECS group was lower in the first 18 hours after surgery than in the control group. In addition, statistically significant lower intraoperative fentanyl consumption was observed in the PECS group than in the control group. Overall, patient satisfaction higher in the PECS group than in the control group. Conclusions: Ultrasound guided combined PECS I and II block is a simple, easy-to-learn emerging technique that produces good analgesia for breast surgery.

ULTRASOUND GUIDED PECS BLOCK: AN EMERGING TECHNIQUE FOR PROVIDING PERIOPERATIVE ANALGESIA AFTER BREAST SURGERY