Surgical anatomy of the pectoral nerves and the pectoral musculature

Hydromorphone combined with ropivacaine for erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Combining hydromorphone with ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks enhances postoperative analgesia and reduces interleukin-6 expression in breast surgery patients.

METHODS

In this study, breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomized into 3 groups for anesthesia (30 patients in each group): standard general (group C), Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) with ropivacaine (group R), and ESPB with ropivacaine plus hydromorphone (group HR). Diagnosis: Breast cancer patients. Postsurgery, pain levels, IL-6, anesthetic doses, additional analgesia needs, and recovery milestones were compared to evaluate the efficacy of the ESPB enhancements.

RESULTS

The 3 groups were not significantly different in baseline characteristics, operation time, number of cases with postoperative nausea, and serum IL-6 concentrations at T1 (the time of being returned to the ward after surgery). At T2 (at 6:00 in the next morning after surgery), the serum IL-6 concentration in group HR was significantly lower than that in groups R and C (P < .05); the intraoperative doses of remifentanil, sufentanil, and propofol were significantly lower in groups HR and R than those in group C (P < .05); Groups HR and R had significantly lower visual analog scale scores at T3 (4 hours postoperatively), T4 (12 hours postoperatively), and T5 (24 hours postoperatively) than those in group C (P < .05); the proportions of patients receiving postoperative remedial analgesia were significantly lower in groups HR and R than in group C (P < .05); groups HR and R had significantly lower proportions of patients with postoperative nausea than group C (P < .05); the time to the first anal exhaust and the time to the first ambulation after surgery were significantly shorter in groups HR and R than those in group C (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Hydromorphone combined with ropivacaine for ESPB achieved a greater postoperative analgesic effect for patients receiving MRM under general anesthesia. The combined analgesia caused fewer adverse reactions and inhibited the expression level of the inflammatory factor IL-6 more effectively, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery. ESPB using hydromorphone with ropivacaine improved pain control post-MRM, reduced adverse effects, and more effectively suppressed IL-6, enhancing recovery.

Effect of local anesthetic volume (20 vs. 40 ml) on the analgesic efficacy of costoclavicular block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Among the various diaphragm-sparing alternatives to interscalene block, costoclavicular block (CCB) demonstrated a low hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) occurrence but an inconsistent analgesic effect in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We hypothesized that a larger volume of local anesthetic for CCB could provide sufficient analgesia by achieving sufficient supraclavicular spreading.

METHODS

Sixty patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly assigned to receive CCB using one of two volumes of local anesthetic (CCB20, 0.75% ropivacaine 20 ml; CCB40, 0.375% ropivacaine 40 ml). The primary outcome was the rate of complete analgesia (0 on the numeric rating scale of pain) at 1 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included a sonographic assessment of local anesthetic spread, diaphragmatic function, pulmonary function, postoperative opioid use, and other pain-related experiences within 24 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

The rates of complete analgesia were not significantly different (23.3% [7/30] and 33.3% [10/30] in the CCB20 and CCB40 groups, respectively; risk difference 10%, 95% CI [-13, 32], P = 0.567). There were no significant differences in other pain-related outcomes. Among the clinical factors considered, the only factor significantly associated with postoperative pain was the sonographic observation of supraclavicular spreading. There were no significant differences in the incidence of HDP and the change in pulmonary function between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Using 40 ml of local anesthetic does not guarantee supraclavicular spread during CCB. Moreover, it does not result in a higher rate of complete analgesia compared to using 20 ml of local anesthetic in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Lateral Pectoral Nerve Identification through Ultrasound-Guided Methylene Blue Injection during Selective Peripheral Neurectomy for Shoulder Spasticity: Proposal for a New Procedure

Internally rotated and adducted shoulder is a common posture in upper limb spasticity. Selective peripheral neurectomy is a useful and viable surgical technique to ameliorate spasticity, and the lateral pectoral nerve (LPN) could be a potential good target to manage shoulder spasticity presenting with internal rotation. However, there are some limitations related to this procedure, such as potential anatomical variability and the necessity of intraoperative surgical exploration to identify the target nerve requiring wide surgical incisions. This could result in higher post-surgical discomfort for the patient. Therefore, the aim of our study was to describe a modification of the traditional selective peripheral neurectomy procedure of the LPN through the perioperative ultrasound-guided marking of the target nerve with methylene blue. The details of the localization and marking procedure are described, as well as the surgical technique of peripheral selective neurectomy and the potential advantages in terms of nerve localization, surgical precision and patients' post-surgical discomfort. We suggest that the proposed modified procedure could be a valid technique to address some current limitations and move the surgical treatment of spasticity toward increasingly tailored management due to the ease of nerve identification, the possibility of handling potential anatomical variability and the resulting smaller surgical incisions.

A Case Report Illustrating the Combined Use of Cryoneurolysis and Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy in the Treatment of Longstanding Spastic Shoulder Contractures After Stroke

Adduction and internal rotation of the shoulder is a common presentation in post-stroke patients, and can often be caused by spasticity and musculotendinous retraction causing a contracture of the pectoralis major and minor muscles. A post cerebral arteriovenous malfunction rupture patient with severe refractory left shoulder spasticity with contracture was treated with cryoneurolysis to the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, combined with a percutaneous needle tenotomy to the pectoralis major tendon. There was an improvement in shoulder forward flexion, abduction and external rotation immediately and found sustained at 8 weeks by 50°, 45°, and 15°. The patient noted an immediate cessation of limitation of shoulder abduction, a liberation of range of motion of the shoulder, and looseness in their arm and shoulder. They reported a dramatic improvement in their gait, increased independence, and an improvement in overall quality of life in a structured interview 8 weeks after the procedure. The patient relayed a positive experience with the combined neuro-orthopedic procedure of cryoneurolysis and tenotomy for the treatment of their spastic shoulder. This combined treatment could be considered as a management strategy for patients experiencing shoulder spasticity with contracture.

Characteristics and distribution of chronic pain after mastectomy and breast reconstruction: a long-term prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Chronic pain following breast surgery is a concern for breast cancer survivors; however, few studies have investigated the localization of persistent postoperative pain. We conducted this study to identify the location of pain following breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A total of 213 Japanese women undergoing mastectomy only or breast reconstruction with a tissue expander/implant (TE/Imp) or a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap were enrolled in the study. Questionnaires related to pain location were sent to patients at the end of postoperative year (POY) 1 and POY 5. Multiple comparisons of the types of operation and cross-tabulation were made between the two time points.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 107 of the women. Severe pain in the upper medial breast was significantly more common in POY 1 after DIEP reconstruction than after mastectomy only (P = 0.01), whereas abdominal pain was worse in POY 5 after DIEP reconstruction than after mastectomy only (P = 0.04). Pain in the medial arm and axilla had resolved better after TE/Imp (P = 0.03) and DIEP reconstruction (P = 0.01) than after mastectomy only by POY 5, but the difference between TE/Imp and DIEP reconstruction was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that localization of prolonged postoperative pain following breast reconstruction differs depending on the surgical strategy.

Clinically Relevant Anatomical Variations in the Brachial Plexus

Anatomical variation in the brachial plexus may result in a variety of clinically relevant patterns, including various neuralgias of the upper extremity and differing nerve territories. Some conditions can be debilitating in symptomatic patients, resulting in paresthesia, anesthesia, or weakness of the upper extremity. Others may simply result in cutaneous nerve territories that deviate from a traditional dermatome map. This study evaluated the frequency and anatomical presentations of a large number of clinically relevant brachial plexus nerve variations in a sample of human body donors. We identified a high frequency of various branching variants, of which clinicians, especially surgeons, should be aware. The medial pectoral nerves in 30% of the sample were found to originate from either the lateral cord, or both the medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus rather than exclusively from the medial cord. The dual cord innervation pattern greatly increases the number of spinal cord levels traditionally believed to innervate the pectoralis minor muscle. The thoracodorsal nerve arose as a branch of the axillary nerve 17% of the time. The musculocutaneous nerve sent branches to the median nerve in 5% of specimens. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve shared a common trunk with the medial brachial cutaneous nerve in 5% of individuals and derived from the ulnar nerve in 3% of specimens.

Randomised comparison between superior trunk and costoclavicular blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A noninferiority study

BACKGROUND

Superior trunk block (STB) provides noninferior analgesia to the interscalene block and reduces the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP). Recently, supraclavicular spreading has also been shown to occur during costoclavicular block (CCB), presenting as an alternative analgesic technique for shoulder surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in postoperative pain scores and HDP incidence between STB and CCB.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Chungnam National University Hospital in Daejeon from January to July 2021.

PATIENTS

Seventy patients, aged 20 to 70 years with ASA Physical Status classifications I to III and scheduled for elective arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were recruited.

INTERVENTION

Ultrasound-guided STB or CCB was performed with 20 ml 0.5% ropivacaine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the pain score (numeric rating scale, NRS) at 1 h postsurgery. A 1.4 (NRS) noninferiority margin was set a priori . The incidence of HDP, postoperative change of pulmonary function and postoperative opioid use were included as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The pain score was higher in the CCB group compared with the STB group at 1 h postoperatively (median difference, 2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1 to 3; noninferiority was not demonstrated). Two patients in the CCB group received a rescue interscalene block due to severe postoperative pain. The incidence of complete HDP was lower in the CCB group (risk difference, -26%; 95% CI, -6 to -45%; P  < 0.001). The median reduction in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were also significantly lower in the CCB group.

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of HDP was lower, CCB did not show noninferiority in immediate postoperative analgesia compared with STB in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (KCT0005822, principal investigator: Boohwi Hong) on 25 January 2021 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr ).

A meta-analysis on the anatomical variability of the brachial plexus: Part III - Branching of the infraclavicular part

INTRODUCTION

The anatomy of the brachial plexus has been a subject of interest to many researchers over time resulting in an inconsistent amount of data. Previously, our team had published two evidence-based studies on the anatomical variations involving the brachial plexus, therefore the aim of this study was to analyze the findings regarding the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus with the use of meta-analytic techniques to complete the comprehensive series.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Major scientific databases were extensively searched to compile anatomical studies investigating the morphology of the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus. Extracted data were classified based on our proposed classification system and subsequently analyzed with the use of random effects meta-analysis to state the pooled prevalence estimates of the distinct variation patterns.

RESULTS

A total of 75 studies (4772 upper limbs) were selected for the meta-analysis. The branches of the lateral cord, including the lateral pectoral nerve and musculocutaneous nerve, resembled their usual origin in 76.8% (95% CI 50-96%) and 98.8% (95% CI 98-100%), respectively. The medial pectoral nerve, medial brachial cutaneous nerves, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve and ulnar nerve emerging from the medial cord were observed originating from their usual origins in 90.9% (95% CI 68-100%), 90.7% (95% CI 73-100%), 87.9% (95% CI 67-99%) and 97.7% (95% CI 94-100%), respectively. Lastly, nerves branching from the posterior cord, including the superior and inferior subscapular nerves, thoracodorsal nerve, axillary nerve and radial nerve, originated as per textbook description in 90.7% (95% CI 80-98%), 76.1% (95% CI 61-89%), 90.1% (95% CI 84-95%), 79.8% (95% CI 68-90%) and 99.0% (95% CI 96-100%), respectively. Moreover, the usual origin of the median nerve from the lateral and medial cord via the corresponding roots was encountered in 89.7% (95% CI 84-95%) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The nerves originating from the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus exhibit a wide spectrum of possible origins. However, the usual patterns were significantly the most common types present in more than three quarters of cases. Especially clinicians might profit from the enhanced understanding of the brachial plexus anatomy presented herein, since we offer a strong guide for handling the anatomically challenging pathologies in this specific area.

Localization of Chronic Pain in Postmastectomy Patients: A Prospective Comparison Between Patients With and Without Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

After breast surgery with or without immediate reconstruction, chronic pain can be a major problem for patients. However, few studies have examined the details of the sites of long-lasting postoperative pain. In this study, we specified the postoperative pain location after breast surgery, including reconstruction, to find ways to improve surgical procedures or provide effective pain relief.

METHODS

The subjects were 205 Japanese women undergoing mastectomy or breast reconstruction with a tissue expander (TE)/implant or a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Patients were asked whether they had pain in different parts of the body at 1 year after surgery. Differences were assessed by cross-tabulation and χ2 statistics.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 157 subjects. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap cases had significantly more pain and TE/Imp cases had significantly less pain in the medial breast, upper breast, breast upper medial quadrant, and abdomen (P = 0.006, P = 0.006, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In the neck area, pain in TE/Imp cases was significantly worse than that in all other patients (P = 0.025). There was no significant difference in chronic pain in any other body regions among the mastectomy only, TE/Imp, and DIEP flap groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study revealed that the localization of prolonged postoperative pain after breast surgery differs depending on the surgical procedure. In DIEP flap reconstruction, there was a marked tendency for pain in the inner and upper chest and in the abdomen, whereas TE/IMP surgery resulted in pain around the neck of the affected side. These findings may help improve surgical methods and establish effective pain relief that focuses on the identified pain areas.

Regional Analgesia in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Background

A variety of regional analgesia methods are used during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Our network meta-analysis (NMA) sought to evaluate the advantages of various methods of localized postoperative pain management in VATS patients.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched from their date of inception to May 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing two or more types of locoregional analgesia in adults using any standardized clinical criteria. This was done using Bayesian NMA.

Results

A total of 3,563 studies were initially identified, and 16 RCTs with a total of 1,144 participants were ultimately included. These studies, which spanned the years 2014 to 2021 and included data from eight different countries, presented new information. There were a variety of regional analgesia techniques used, and in terms of analgesic effect, thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) [SMD (standard mean difference) = 1.12, CrI (Credible interval): (-0.08 to -2.33)], thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) (SMD = 0.67, CrI: (-0.25 to 1.60) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) (SMD = 0.34, CrI: (-0.5 to 1.17) were better than other regional analgesia methods.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings show that TEA, TPVB and ESPB may be effective forms of regional analgesia in VATS. This research could be a valuable resource for future efforts regarding the use of thoracic regional analgesia and enhanced recovery after surgery.

Systematic Review Registration

Identifier [PROSPERO CRD42021253218].

Pectoralis Major Rupture: Evaluation and Management

Pectoralis major tendon ruptures are being reported with increasing frequency and primarily occur in young, high demand, male patients. The injury results from an eccentric contracture of the muscle most commonly while performing the bench press maneuver during weight training. In the setting of both acute and chronic injury, physical examination is critical for a timely and accurate diagnosis. During physical examination, comparison with the opposite side is imperative, and findings may include swelling, ecchymosis, loss of the anterior axillary fold, and a decreased pectoralis major index. Surgical treatment of acute ruptures is superior to nonsurgical treatment and results in improved functional outcomes and high levels of return to work and sport. Repair of chronic tears is more challenging and may require reconstruction with autograft or allograft tissue. Despite advances in surgical technique, tendon rerupture, persistent pain, and wound infection remain a concern.

Extramuscular and Intramuscular Course of the Nerve Innervating the Abdominal Part of the Pectoralis Major Muscle: An Anatomical Study with Regard to Transaxillary Endoscopic Subpectoral Breast Augmentation

BACKGROUND

During transaxillary endoscopic subpectoral breast augmentation, the innervation of the abdominal part of the pectoralis major muscle can be injured. The question has been raised whether this could even be of value, as for a better result, the caudal fibers of the pectoralis major muscle have to be detached from their origin. The authors' aim was to identify the exact position and the intramuscular course and target of these nerve branches.

METHODS

Fifty pectoralis major muscles and their supplying nerve branches from 27 formalin-fixed anatomical specimens were studied using macroscopic dissection and anthropometry. Furthermore, eight muscles underwent the modified Sihler procedure to determine the intramuscular course and target of the supplying nerve branches.

RESULTS

The branches for the abdominal part of the pectoralis major muscle pierced the pectoralis minor muscle or coursed around its lower border 3.2 to 8.4 cm from the tip of the coracoid process. Within the muscle, at least one small nerve branch, innervating the abdominal part, ascended into the lowermost portion of the sternocostal head, and anastomosed with the lowest small branch of its supplying nerve branches.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the variable position of the nerve branches, they may often cross the operative field during transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation. However, their interruption can be of value, because weakening of the lower part of the pectoralis major muscle is desired to keep the implant in place, and to avoid animation deformity.

Should the 'normal' and 'ideal' nipple position in a male influence the surgeon when planning severe gynaecomastia correction?

BACKGROUND

The ideal nipple areolar complex (NAC) position of the male chest following gynaecomastia surgery is well documented; however, with increased development of the chest muscles, the NAC placement can change, leading to the medial displacement of the nipple giving a poor aesthetic outcome. Therefore, we believe that these measurements need to be applied to the patients' build and take into consideration the future fitness goals of the patients.

METHOD

We have analysed the photographs of three groups of men: super athletes, athletes and individuals with severe gynaecomastia. We have assessed the proportions of the chest in relation to the NAC, degree of ptosis and TAP index.

RESULTS

There was a wide variation between the athlete and the super athlete group, with minor variations within each group. The range of measurement in the severe gynaecomastia group was significantly larger than those in the other groups. We feel that based on this research study, surgeons should however be somewhat circumspect in their choice of nipple position as there is a wide variation in what can be considered as normal, and positioning of the NAC too early in the recovery process may lead to an abnormal aesthetic appearance following muscle development.

CONCLUSION

Despite the multitude of techniques available in the literature to determine the position of nipple, there is a lack of understanding on how the NAC position changes with muscle development. Adopting a dogmatic approach may result in a very aesthetically displeasing outcome, which can be very difficult to correct in men.

Regional analgesia techniques for video assisted thoracic surgery: a frequentist network meta-analysis

Background

Various regional analgesia techniques are used to reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to determine the relative efficacy of regional analgesic interventions for VATS using a network meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the analgesic effects of the following interventions: control, thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), serratus plane block (SPB), and intercostal nerve block (INB). The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperative period. Pain scores were also collected during three different postoperative periods: the early (0–6 h), middle (6–18 h), and late (18–24 h) periods.

Results

A total of 21 RCTs (1,391 patients) were included. TPVB showed the greatest effect on opioid consumption compared with the control (mean difference [MD]: −13.2 mg, 95% CI [−16.2, −10.1]). In terms of pain scores in the early period, ESPB had the greatest effect compared to control (MD: −1.6, 95% CI [−2.3, −0.9]). In the middle and late periods, pain scores showed that TPVB, ESPB and INB had superior analgesic effects compared to controls, while SPB did not.

Conclusions

TPVB had the best analgesic efficacy following VATS, though the analgesic efficacy of ESPBs was comparable. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal regional analgesia technique to improve postoperative pain control following VATS.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear: A Critical Analysis Review

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Pectoralis major (PM) tendon tears are predominantly seen in young men, and the majority of tears occur as tendon avulsions involving the sternal head. Weightlifting, specifically bench-pressing, and sporting activities with eccentric overloading of the PM tendon are the 2 most common activities that result in PM injury.

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Early surgical repair or reconstruction should be offered to younger, active patients with a complete PM tear; the majority of the patients undergoing surgical repair achieve good-to-excellent outcomes.

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Nonsurgical treatment of a complete PM tear is an option but will result in cosmetic deformity and a deficit in adduction strength of the arm. Outcomes after nonsurgical treatment of complete PM tears are less satisfactory than those obtained after surgical treatment.

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Currently, there is no consensus on the chronological definition of PM tears (acute versus chronic), the critical time limit for performing surgical repair, the ideal fixation device (cortical button, bone tunnel, or suture anchors), the indications for allograft use, and the ideal rehabilitation protocol after treatment of PM tears.

Anatomical basis of fascial plane blocks

Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) are regional anesthesia techniques in which the space ("plane") between two discrete fascial layers is the target of needle insertion and injection. Analgesia is primarily achieved by local anesthetic spread to nerves traveling within this plane and adjacent tissues. This narrative review discusses key fundamental anatomical concepts relevant to FPBs, with a focus on blocks of the torso. Fascia, in this context, refers to any sheet of connective tissue that encloses or separates muscles and internal organs. The basic composition of fascia is a latticework of collagen fibers filled with a hydrated glycosaminoglycan matrix and infiltrated by adipocytes and fibroblasts; fluid can cross this by diffusion but not bulk flow. The plane between fascial layers is filled with a similar fat-glycosaminoglycan matric and provides gliding and cushioning between structures, as well as a pathway for nerves and vessels. The planes between the various muscle layers of the thorax, abdomen, and paraspinal area close to the thoracic paravertebral space and vertebral canal, are popular targets for ultrasound-guided local anesthetic injection. The pertinent musculofascial anatomy of these regions, together with the nerves involved in somatic and visceral innervation, are summarized. This knowledge will aid not only sonographic identification of landmarks and block performance, but also understanding of the potential pathways and barriers for spread of local anesthetic. It is also critical as the basis for further exploration and refinement of FPBs, with an emphasis on improving their clinical utility, efficacy, and safety.

The nerve supply to the pectoralis major: An anatomical study and clinical application of the denervation in subpectoral breast implant surgery

BACKGROUND

Using the subpectoral approach, animation deformity or breast distortion due to pectoralis muscle contraction is common. Although the anatomy of the pectoral nerves has been extensively studied, only few studies have related the location of these nerves to bony landmarks.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim is to clarify the anatomy and possible variations of the innervation of the pectoralis major in relation to bony landmarks useful for surgery and to identify the preferred level for (selective) denervation by 1) transecting the nerves and 2) splitting the muscle in subpectoral breast implant surgery in cadavers.

METHODS

Fourteen pectoral regions (both left and right side) were dissected on 7 formaldehyde-fixed cadavers. The origin, locations, and course were mapped and (distances to) landmarks were reported.

RESULTS

The lateral pectoral nerve, medial pectoral nerve, and ansa pectoralis were identified in all cadavers. Nerve branches pierce the pectoralis minor or run along its upper or lower border. The piercing nerves vary from one to three branches and were consistently located lateral to the midclavicular line. The horizontal and vertical distances to bony landmarks varied greatly and depended on the size and location of the pectoralis minor, except for the nerve running along the upper border of the PMin, which was located consistently around 30% of the clavicular line from the acromioclavicular joint to the sternoclavicular joint.

CONCLUSION

We were unable to define a fixed landmark to mark pre- or peroperatively. However, we could define guidelines that help to identify and excise or preserve nerves of interest.

Comparison of PECS II and erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia following modified radical mastectomy: Bayesian network meta-analysis using a control group

The present study compared the effects of pectoral nerve block II (PECS II) and erector spinae plane (ESP) block for postoperative analgesia in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy by performing a network meta-analysis (NMA) using indirect comparison with systemic analgesia. Studies comparing the analgesic effects of PECS II and ESP block were searched on MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome of this study was cumulative opioid consumption for 24 h postoperatively. Pain score during this period was also assessed. NMA was performed to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of plane blocks and systemic analgesia. A search of databases identified 17 studies, with a total of 1069 patients, comparing the analgesic efficacies of PECS II block, ESP block, and systemic analgesia. Compared with systemic analgesia, mean difference of opioid consumption was - 10 mg (95% credible interval [CrI] - 15.0 to - 5.6 mg) with PECS II block and - 5.7 mg (95% CrI - 11.0 to - 0.7 mg) with ESP block. Relative to systemic analgesia, PECS II block showed lower pain scores over the first postoperative 24 h, whereas ESP block did not. PECS II block showed the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curves for both opioid consumption and pain score. Both PECS II and ESP blocks were shown to be more effective than systemic analgesia regarding postoperative analgesia following modified radical mastectomy, and between the two blocks, PECS II appeared to have favorable analgesic effects compared to ESP block.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Type-II Pectoral Nerve Block and Rhomboid Intercostal Block for Pain Management Following Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Although breast-conserving surgery-axillary dissection (BCS-AD) is a minimally invasive surgery, patients may suffer from moderate-to-severe pain. Several regional techniques can be used for pain control. The type II pectoral nerve block (PECS II) and the rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) are interfascial plane blocks that have been reported to provide effective analgesia after breast surgery. This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of the PECS II block and the RIB after breast surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety female patients aged 18 to 65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes I and II physical status who underwent unilateral BCS-AD surgery were included. Patients were divided into three groups (n = 30 in each): the PECS II group, the RIB group, or the control group. PECS II block and RIB were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine. Ibuprofen 400 mg IV 3 × 1 was given in the postoperative period. A patient control analgesia device included a dose of 10 µg/mL fentanyl, which was prepared and connected to the patients.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of demographical data. Postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the PECS II and RIB groups than the control group. The need for rescue analgesia use was significantly higher in the control group than the other groups. At all times, visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the PECS II and RIB groups than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The PECS II block and the RIB provide similar effective analgesia after BCS-AD.

Sensory innervation of the human shoulder joint: the three bridges to break

BACKGROUND

Painful shoulders create a substantial socioeconomic burden and significant diagnostic challenge for shoulder surgeons. Consensus with respect to the anatomic location of sensory nerve branches is lacking. The aim of this literature review was to establish consensus with respect to the anatomic features of the articular branches (ABs) (1) innervating the shoulder joint and (2) the distribution of sensory receptors about its capsule and bursae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases were queried, between January 1945 and June 2019. Thirty original articles providing a detailed description of the distribution of sensory receptors about the shoulder joint capsule (13) and its ABs (22) were reviewed.

RESULTS

The suprascapular, lateral pectoral, axillary, and lower subscapular nerves were found to provide ABs to the shoulder joint. The highest density of nociceptors was found in the subacromial bursa. The highest density of mechanoreceptors was identified within the insertion of the glenohumeral ligaments. The most frequently identified innervation pattern comprised 3 nerve bridges (consisting of ABs from suprascapular, axillary, and lateral pectoral nerves) connecting the trigger and the identified pain generator areas rich in nociceptors.

CONCLUSION

Current literature supports the presence of a common sensory innervation pattern for the human shoulder joint. Anatomic studies have demonstrated that the most common parent nerves supplying ABs to the shoulder joint are the suprascapular, lateral pectoral, and axillary nerves. Further studies are needed to assess both the safety and efficacy of selective denervation of the painful shoulders, while limiting the loss of proprioceptive function.

Establishing a Technique for Pectoral II-Block Catheter Insertion with Ultrasound Guidance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of a modified technique for ultrasound-guided pectoral II block for postoperative pain control after mastectomy.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly allocated into two groups (40 patients each). Group I patients were subjected to ultrasound-guided pectoral II block with injection of 10 mL lidocaine 1% as a dissecting solution before attempting catheter insertion, while group II patients underwent the standard procedure without a dissecting solution. Measured outcomes included catheter visibility, pain, patient satisfaction, performance time, and complications.

Results

Compared with group II, group I had significantly lower median catheter-visibility scores, shorter block performance time, and fewer insertion attempts. Group I had a nonsignificantly higher rate of complications than group II.

Conclusion

The modified technique facilitated the procedure, shortened the catheter-insertion time, and showed higher patient satisfaction. However, it was associated with lower catheter visibility on ultrasonography. Further studies are required to confirm the present findings and assess the safety of the modified technique.

[PECS I block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

PECS I block was first described for surgery involving the pectoralis muscles. No randomized clinical trial has been conducted on surgeries that directly involve these muscles, such as subpectoral breast augmentation. We hypothesized that PECS I block would decrease pain in the postoperative period in this population.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing subpectoral breast augmentation surgery. PECS I block was performed using 0.4 mL.kg^-1 of 0.9% saline on one side and bupivacaine (0.25%) on the other side, each patient being her own control. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores (0-10) were measured at rest and during movement. The primary outcome was pain score at rest 30 minutes after arrival in the PACU. To detect a clinically significant difference of 50% in pain reduction, 14 volunteers were enrolled (power of 90% and alpha<0.05).

RESULTS

In the PACU, three patients had no difference in pain between sides, five had reduced pain on the placebo side, and six had reduced pain on the bupivacaine side. In the bupivacaine group, pain scores at rest at 5, 30 and 60 minutes and 24 hours were 4.89 (4.23-5.56; mean 95% CI), 3.75 (3.13-4.37), 3.79 (2.93-4.64), and 2.29 (1.56-3.01), respectively, whereas in the placebo group, they were 4.96 (4.32-5.60), 4.00 (3.50-4.49), 3.93 (3.12-4.73), and 2.29 (1.56-3.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PECS I block in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery does not provide better pain relief than placebo. Therefore, the indications for PECS I block in breast augmentation surgery should be reconsidered.

Ultrasound-Guided Multilevel Thoracic Paravertebral Block and Its Efficacy for Surgical Anesthesia During Primary Breast Cancer Surgery

Purpose

Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), in conjunction with intravenous sedation, is reported to provide surgical anesthesia for primary breast cancer surgery (PBCS). Although ultrasound-guided (USG) TPVB has been described, there are no reports of USG multilevel TPVB for surgical anesthesia during PBCS. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the feasibility of performing USG multilevel TPVB, at the T1–T6 vertebral levels (6m-TPVB), and to evaluate its efficacy in providing surgical anesthesia for PBCS.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-five female patients undergoing PBCS received an USG 6m-TPVB for surgical anesthesia. Four milliliters of ropivacaine 0.5% (with epinephrine 1:200,000) was injected at each vertebral level. Dexmedetomidine infusion (0.1–0.5 µg.kg⁻¹.h⁻¹) was used for conscious sedation. Success of the block, for surgical anesthesia, was defined as being able to complete the PBCS without having to resort to rescue analgesia or convert to GA.

Results

The USG 6m-TPVB was successfully performed on all 25 patients but it was effective as the sole anesthetic in only 20% (5/25) of patients. The remaining 80% (20/25) reported pain during separation of the breast from the pectoralis major muscle and its fascia. Surgery was successfully completed using small doses of intravenous ketamine (mean total dose, 38.0±20.5 mg) as supplementary analgesia.

Conclusion

USG 6m-TPVB is technically feasible but does not consistently provide complete surgical anesthesia for PBCS that involves surgical dissection on the pectoralis major muscle and its fascia. Our data suggest that the pectoral nerves, which are not affected by a 6m-TPVB, are involved with afferent nociception.

PECS I block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Background and objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Analgesic Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Pecs II Block in Central Venous Port Catheter Implantation

Background and Aim

In oncology patients, central venous port catheter (CVPC) implantation is generally preferred for venous route. However, in this procedure, postoperative pain is often observed. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided Pecs II block in the management of pain after CVPC placement.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-seven patients who underwent CVPC implantation between January 2017 and August 2018 were included in the study. Patients who underwent Pecs II block under ultrasound guidance were called as the Pecs group, and those who underwent local anesthesia (LA) were referred as the LA group. All procedural parameters were analyzed, including demographic characteristics of patients, visual analogue scores (VAS) at 2nd and 24th hours, and postoperative opioid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) consumption.

Results

The postoperative 2nd hour VAS scores were similar in both groups and were lower than the 24th hour VAS scores. VAS scores at the 24th hour in the Pecs group were significantly lower than the LA group (P = 0.001). While the number of fentanyl rescue doses administered in PACU was similar, the total NSAID consumption in the first 24 hours was higher in the LA group than in the Pecs group.

Conclusion

In CVPC placement, ultrasound-guided Pecs II block is a more reliable, easily applicable and longer-acting approach than LA infiltration for postoperative analgesia.

Surgical anatomy of the pectoralis major tendon insertion revisited: relationship to nearby structures and the pectoral eminence for defining the anatomic footprint

Background

Intraoperative identification of the normal pectoralis major (PM) footprint can be challenging to identify in the acute and chronic settings. The purpose of this study was to revisit the anatomic footprint of the PM tendon and to determine which nearby landmarks can be used to re-create the normal insertion site during anatomic repair or reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty-one fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulder specimens were used to define the PM tendon width (ie, superior-to-inferior) and to determine the relationship between the superior aspect of the PM insertion and that of the latissimus dorsi (LD) and anterior deltoid (AD) tendons. An attempt was made to identify potential useful bony landmarks that can be used during anatomic repair or reconstruction of the PM tendon.

Results

The mean PM tendon width was 68.8 ± 4.4 mm. The superior margin of the LD insertion was 9.4 ± 5.9 mm above and the AD was 48.4 ± 7.1 mm below the superior margin of the PM tendon insertion, respectively. In 17 of 21 specimens (81%), the superior insertion of the PM tendon attached onto a bony prominence, named the pectoral eminence.

Conclusions

The LD and AD tendon insertions represent reliable soft tissue landmarks for identifying the superior extent of the PM tendon along its bony footprint. The pectoral eminence can also be used as an additional reference point in the majority of cases to facilitate anatomic restoration of the pectoralis tendon during repair and reconstruction. Surgeons should be familiar with the proximity of nearby neurovascular structures when performing PM repairs.

Everything pectoralis major: from repair to transfer

Background: Pectoralis major ruptures are increasing in incidence primarily due to an increase in awareness, activity level among young males between 20 and 40 years of age, and use of anabolic steroids. Although the majority of pectoralis major ruptures are acute injuries, many chronic ruptures are unrecognized and it is imperative to understand the proper evaluation of these injuries, as well as the appropriate treatment for acute and chronic ruptures.Purpose: Pectoralis major ruptures can lead to deformity and physical disability if left untreated. This review paper discusses both acute and chronic ruptures as well as indications for nonoperative treatment and operative treatment to give the reader the best understanding of this diagnosis and proper management.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using a search of electronic databases. Search terms such as pectoralis major rupture, pectoralis major repair, pectoralis major tendon transfer, and pectoralis major nonoperative treatment were used. Case reports, systematic reviews, prospective and retrospective studies were included to provide a comprehensive review. The only exclusion criteria consisted of studies not published in English. This review article includes the anatomy and biomechanics of the pectoralis major muscle, proper evaluation of the patient, operative and nonoperative treatment of acute and chronic pectoralis major ruptures, and outcomes of the recommended treatment.Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment is indicated for patients with medical comorbidities, older age, incomplete tears, or irreparable damage. Patients treated non-operatively have been shown to lose strength, but regain full range of motion. Patients with surgery before 6 weeks reported better outcomes than patients with surgery between 6 and 8 weeks. The chronicity of the rupture (>8 weeks) increases the likelihood of reconstruction, involving the use of autografts or allografts. Patients treated with delayed repair had significantly better strength, satisfaction, and outcomes than patients with nonoperative treatment. The pectoralis tendon can also be transferred in patients with rotators cuff tears, atrophy, or significant functional limitation. Tendon transfers have been shown to have unpredictable outcomes, but overall satisfactory results.

The brachial plexus - explaining its morphology and variability by a generic developmental model

In classic anatomy teaching, the brachial plexus generally features as an enigmatic rote-learned structure, leaving the student with a feeling of complexity. The notion of complexity may increase in dissections, where plexuses significantly differing from the standard plexus model are readily found. This raises questions: what determines the existence and prevalence of variants and to what degree should they be considered anomalous? A model linking brachial plexus morphology and its variability to causative morphological parameters which would also standardize plexus description and teaching would be beneficial. The present study aims to provide such a model by analyzing the context of plexus development and applying this model in the analysis of plexus variability in anatomical specimens. Based on a thorough literature review, a generic developmental model was formulated and different factors of variability defined. In 56 plexuses, the proposed generic principles of plexus variability were found consistent with the variations encountered. Summarized, the modeled generic principles are as follows. Brachial plexus axon bundles grow out into an environment of chemical tracer paths in which constraints and obstacles are present: the geometry of the arm bud, cartilaginous bone precursors and vessels. The overall constancy of these factors generates a gross plexus outline, while the variability in these factors gives rise to typical plexus variations. The usefulness of the model derives from the fact that the variability of the main morphologically determining factors is not random but is the expression of the possibilities of the embryological substrate. Within the model, the major plexus morphological determinant is the segmental position of the subclavian artery, which is determined by the segment level of the intersegmental artery from which it develops. Normally, the subclavian artery develops from intersegmental artery i7. However, the subclavian artery can develop from inferior or superior segmental levels, from intersegmental artery i8 or i6, and possibly also from i9 or i5. Each of these arterial variants creates a typical, morphologically distinct, predictable plexus configuration. Superimposed on these basic plexus configurations, the underlying embryological substrate may develop further variability by integrating remnants of other intersegmental arteries into the arterial network. The resulting plexus configurations are further modified by local factors, e.g. the splitting of outgrowing axon bundles around vessels. A large split in the lateral cord around a large vein or veins crossing from lateral to medial, tangentially cranially over the subclavian artery was found in 54% of the 56 investigated BP and therefore might be added to plexus teaching. The distinct plexus morphologies associated with the subclavian artery segmental levels were further found associated with, among others, typical variations in the pectoral nerves and their ansas; these associations were also modeled. The presented models could allow brachial plexus rote learning to be replaced by a more insightful narrative of formative principles suitable for teaching. Clinically, improved understanding of the relationship between plexus variability and the local anatomical environment should be relevant to brachial plexus surgery and reconstruction.

Analgesic efficacy of modified pectoral block plus serratus plane block in breast augmentation surgery: A randomised, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Prosthetic breast surgery is a very common plastic surgery procedure, but its postoperative analgesic management is a challenge for the surgical team. The purpose of the present study is to validate the analgesic efficacy of pectoral block and serratus plane block in retropectoral mammoplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomised, controlled, triple-blind, clinical trial was designed, and included 30 patients undergoing retropectoral augmentation mammoplasty. All of them had a modified PECII block and a serratus plane block with a total volume of 40ml per breast. In 15 of them bupivacaine 0.25% (GPEC) was injected and in the other 15 patients saline was used (GC). Standardised management of anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia was performed. Intra-operative haemodynamic parameters required for postoperative analgesia, and a numeric verbal scale on arrival in the recovery unit were measured and at 3, 6, and 24h. The quality perceived by patients and surgeons was also measured.

RESULTS

Post-operative pain was significantly better in GPEC (5.3±2.3 vs. 2.9±2.7; P=.018). No significant differences were observed at 3, 6, and 24h. The surgeons rated the anaesthetic-analgesic quality as very good in 80% of the cases in GPEC versus 33% in CG (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of these blocks is a good perioperative analgesic strategy in the multimodal management of retropectoral augmentation mammoplasty.

Impact of the Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block on Post-Mastectomy Pain: A Randomised Clinical Study

Objective

A variety of methods, including neuraxial and regional blocks, have been used to manage post-mastectomy pain. This study evaluates the effect of serratus anterior plane block on acute pain after mastectomy.

Methods

A total of 60 patients who were candidates for mastectomy under general anaesthesia were divided in this trial into two groups. After entering the recovery room, the first-experimental-group (SAB) underwent the ultrasound-guided serratus anterior block, but the second-control-group (CTL) received no block intervention. An intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used to deliver fentanyl in both groups. Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the patients' pain was assessed at intervals of 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours after entering the recovery room. Intravenous acetaminophen was administered as a rescue analgesic if the pain exceeded 3 on the VAS. A total amount of fentanyl consumed, the time to first PCA request, a total amount of acetaminophen consumption and possible adverse effects were evaluated.

Results

The pain scores assessed at the time intervals were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.5). The total consumption of fentanyl was significantly lower in the SAB group than in the CTL group (p=0.0001). Duration of the time to first PCA request was remarkably longer in the SAB group than in the CTL group (p=0.0001). The total amount of acetaminophen consumed was notably higher in the CTL group than in the SAB group (p=0.001). None of the patients experienced side effects.

Conclusion

Undertaking serratus anterior block following mastectomy can reduce pain scores and lower opioid usage.

Pectoral Block Failure May Be Due to Incomplete Coverage of Anatomical Targets: A Dissection Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The popularization of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery calls for better anatomical understanding of chest wall innervation. When inserting subpectoral implants, pain from pocket dissection, stretching of muscle, and release of costal attachments may be relieved by blocking the pectoral nerves in the interpectoral (IP) space.We describe the variable anatomy of the pectoral nerves in the IP space in order to define the area to be covered for sufficient blockade, based on cadaver dissections.

METHODS

Twenty-six fresh cadavers were dissected bilaterally. The number, location, and course of the pectoral nerves were recorded. Distances to surface landmarks (sternum, clavicle, and costae) and ultrasound landmarks (thoracoacromial artery [TAA] and pectoralis minor muscle [Pm]) were recorded.

RESULTS

The lateral pectoral nerve and the TAA entered together into the IP space 8.9 cm (range, 8.0-12.0 cm) lateral to the midsternal line. The medial pectoral nerve (MPN) had between 1 and 4 branches that pierced the Pm, and 69% had additional branches lateral to the Pm. The muscle-piercing MPN branches were located 3.8 cm (range, 0.4-8.1 cm) and the lateral MPN branches 5.4 cm (range, 3.0-8.4 cm) from the lateral pectoral nerve. The IP course was 2.6 cm (range, 0.7-6.5 cm). All specimens were asymmetrical in location or number of MPN branches.

CONCLUSIONS

The MPN branches that innervate the lower part of the pectoralis major muscle are asymmetrical and variable in location and length; all located in a triangular area easily defined by sonographic landmarks, lateral to the TAA.

Efficacy of Pectoral Nerve Block Type II for Breast-Conserving Surgery and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Objectives

The pectoral nerve block type II (PECS II block) is widely used for postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of PECS II block in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB).

Methods

Patients were randomized to the control group (n=40) and the PECS II group (n=40). An ultrasound-guided PECS II block was performed after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome measure was opioid consumption, and the secondary outcome was pain at the breast and axillary measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 24 hours after surgery. Opioid requirement was assessed according to tumor location.

Results

Opioid requirement was lower in the PECS II than in the control group (43.8 ± 28.5 µg versus 77.0 ± 41.9 µg, p < 0.001). However, the frequency of rescue analgesics did not differ between these groups. Opioid consumption in the PECS II group was significantly lower in patients with tumors in the outer area than that in patients with tumors in the inner area (32.5 ± 23.0 µg versus 58.0 ± 29.3 µg, p=0.007). The axillary NRS was consistently lower through 24 hr in the PECS II group.

Conclusion

Although the PECS II block seemed to reduce pain intensity and opioid requirements for 24 h after BCS and SNB, these reductions may not be clinically significant. This trial is registered with Clinical Research Information Service KCT0002509.

Magnetic resonance imaging patterns of mononeuropathic denervation in muscles with dual innervation

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of mononeuropathy in muscles with dual innervation depicts geographic denervation corresponding to the affected nerve. Knowledge of the normal distribution of a muscle's neural supply is clinically relevant as partial muscle denervation represents a potential imaging pitfall that can be confused with other pathology, such as muscle strain. This article reviews the normal innervation pattern of extremity muscles with dual supply, providing illustrative examples of mononeuropathy affecting such muscles.

The PECS II block as a major analgesic component for clavicle operations: A description of 7 case reports

Clavicle fractures correspond to 35% of traumatic fractures of the shoulder girdle. Regional anaesthesia has shown better analgesic results than systemic treatment for perioperative management. Innervation of the clavicle is complex, at present its knowledge raises controversy. The lateral pectoral nerve through the innervating musculature predominantly participates in the lateral and anterior part of the clavicle. The following report of 7 cases describes the effective postoperative analgesia of modified PEC II block in patients with middle third clavicle fracture or acromioclavicular dislocation who underwent a modified PEC II block for postoperative pain management, in the context of a multimodal analgesia. The potential advantage of this management over other analgesic procedures should be evaluated in specific clinical trials.

Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Interpectoral Block for Patient Undergoing Mastectomy and Axillary Clearance

Using a single dose of local anaesthetics has some disadvantages and provides limited analgesia depending on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the local anaesthetic used. Nevertheless, the use of continuous perineural infusions allows sustained pain control. Ultrasound-guided interpectoral block followed by the placement of catheters in patients undergoing mastectomies with or without lymph node axillary dissections can result in sufficient pain control. We present a case of a 58-year-old woman undergoing mastectomy and axillary clearance who received ultrasound-guided continuous interpectoral block for postoperative analgesia. After the induction of general anaesthesia, interpectoral ultrasound block was performed and levobupivacaine was administered through a catheter placed between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles using an ultrasound-guided technique. We used an elastomeric pump containing the 0.125% levobupivacaine anaesthetic solution, with an infusion rate of 5 mL h^-1 for 48 h. Excellent postoperative pain control was observed. Local anaesthetic- and catheter-related side-effects were not observed. The ideal infusion rate for interpectoral block in patients under mastectomy has not been determined. More randomised studies are needed to confirm whether interpectoral techniques are appropriate for routine clinical practice.

Motor Nerve Preservation and Muscle Atrophy After Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap Surgery for Oromandibular Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The authors investigated the clinical and histopathologic significance of medial pectoral nerve preservation/reinnervation of pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap for oromandibular reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors compared 13 patients treated with pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction and 6 control patients treated by rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction without motor nerve restoration. Subjective awareness was scored to evaluate changes in the facial contour due to muscle atrophy, and objective evaluation was performed in few patients. In addition, the authors performed histopathologic analysis of both muscle atrophy and nerve regeneration in 20 patients from whom samples were available.

RESULTS

Subjective awareness of changes in the facial contour induced by muscle atrophy was low among patients with nerve preservation/reinnervation, but there were objective changes at 3 months after surgery among patients who underwent nerve resection. In the patients who had medial pectoral nerve preservation or nerve restoration by nerve suture, favorable facial symmetry was retained at 5 years after surgery. Even though the motor nerve was preserved or restored, fatty degeneration and fibrosis were noted in approximately 30% of the total surface area of the muscle, and type I fibers had decreased to 36% that of control at 7 years after surgery. However, regressive changes were inhibited for 1 year after surgery; in contrast, changes corresponding to those noted at 7 years after surgery were observed by 3 months in the patients with nerve resection.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the authors showed that preservation or restoration of nerves can delay muscle and have highlighted the potential benefits of this approach.

Paravertebral Block Plus Thoracic Wall Block versus Paravertebral Block Alone for Analgesia of Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Paravertebral block placement was the main anesthetic technique for modified radical mastectomy in our hospital until February 2014, when its combination with blocks targeting the pectoral musculature was initiated. We compared the analgesic effects of paravertebral blocks with or without blocks targeting the pectoral musculature for modified radical mastectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from a single surgeon and anesthesiologist from June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2015. Intraoperative sedatives and analgesic requirements, time to the first analgesic request, postoperative analgesic doses, patient satisfaction, and complications were compared.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients received a paravertebral block alone (PECS 0), and 46 received a paravertebral block combined with blocks targeting the pectoral musculature (PECS 1). The highest intraoperative effect-site concentration of propofol was significantly lower in the PECS 1 group than in the PECS 0 group [2.3 (1.5, 2.8) vs 2.5 (1.5, 4) μg/mL, p = 0.0014]. The intraoperative rescue analgesic dose was significantly lower in the PECS 1 group [0 (0, 25) vs 0 (0, 75) mg of ketamine, p = 0.0384]. Furthermore, the PECS 1 group had a significantly longer time to the first analgesic request [636.5 (15, 720) vs 182.5 (14, 720) min, p = 0.0001]. After further adjustment for age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification, chronic pain history, incidence of a superficial cervical plexus block placement, and operation duration, blocks targeting the pectoral musculature were determined to be the only significant factor (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.58; p < 0.0001). Very few patients used potent analgesics including morphine and ketorolac; the cumulative use of morphine or ketorolac was similar in the study groups. However, the incidence of all analgesic use, namely morphine, ketorolac, acetaminophen, and celecoxib, was significantly lower in the PECS 1 group [3.5 (0, 6) vs 5 (0, 12), p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the placement of a paravertebral block alone, combining blocks targeting the pectoral musculature with a paravertebral block for modified radical mastectomy reduced the sedative and analgesic requirements during operation and provided more effective postoperative analgesia.

The SPA arrangement of the branches of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus: a correction of a longstanding misconception and a new diagram of the brachial plexus

OBJECT

Brachial plexus (BP) diagrams in most textbooks and papers represent the branches and divisions of the upper trunk (UT) in the following sequence from cranial to caudal: suprascapular nerve, anterior division, and then posterior division. This concept contradicts what is seen in the operating room and is noticed by most peripheral nerve surgeons. This cadaveric study was conducted to look specifically at the exact pattern of branching of the upper trunk of the BP.

METHODS

Ten cadavers (20 BPs) were dissected. Both supra- and infraclavicular exposures were performed. The clavicle was retracted or resected to identify the divisions of the BP. A posterior approach was used in 2 cases.

RESULTS

In all dissections the origin of the posterior division was in a more cranial and dorsal plane in relation to the anterior division. In most dissections the supra scapular nerve branched off distally from the UT, giving it the appearance of a trifurcation, taking off just cranial and dorsal to the posterior division. The branching pattern of the UT consistently had the following sequential arrangement from cranial and posterior to caudal and anterior: suprascapular nerve (S), posterior division (P), and anterior division (A), hence the acronym SPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Supraclavicular exposure of the BP exposes only the trunks and divisions. Recognizing the “SPA” arrangement of the branches helps in identifying the correct targets for neurotization, especially given that these 3 branches are the most common targets for BP repair. Understanding the anatomy means better surgical planning and better patient outcomes.

Unusual communications of the brachial plexus

The knowledge of innervation of pectoral muscles is important to surgeons performing breast surgeries, axillary lymph node dissection, harvesting pectoralis major/minor for flaps, and during neurotization procedures where the pectoral nerves are particularly at risk. The present case describes the innervation of the pectoral muscles solely by a nerve trunk arising from the ansa pectoralis (AP) - the loop of medial and lateral pectoral nerves. Interestingly, there was also a communication between the AP and roots forming the median nerve. It is imperative for the operating surgeons to be aware of these rare variations in order to prevent denervation and subsequent atrophy of the pectoral musculature.

Ultrasound-guided truncal blocks: A new frontier in regional anaesthesia

The practice of regional anaesthesia is rapidly changing with the introduction of ultrasound into the working domain of the anaesthesiologist. New techniques are being pioneered. Among the recent techniques, notable are the truncal blocks, for example, the transversus abdominis plane block, rectus sheath block, hernia block and quadratus lumborum block in the abdomen and the pectoral nerves (Pecs) block 1 and 2, serratus anterior plane block and intercostal nerve block. This narrative review covers the brief anatomical discourse along with technical description of the ultrasound-guided truncal blocks.