A comparative study of respiratory effects of erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral plane block for women undergoing modified radical mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Inadequate acute postoperative pain control after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) can compromise pulmonary function. This work aimed to assess the postoperative pulmonary effects of a single-shot thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in female patients undergoing MRM.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized comparative trial was conducted on 40 female American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II-III, aged 18 to 50 years undergoing MRM under general anesthesia (GA). Patients were divided into two equal groups (20 in each group): Group I received ESPB and Group II received TPVB. Each group received a single shot with 20 ml volume of 0.5% bupivacaine.

RESULTS

Respiratory function tests showed a comparable decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) from the baseline in the two groups. Group I had a lower FEV1/FVC ratio than Group II after 6 h. Both groups were comparable regarding duration for the first postoperative analgesic request (P value = 0.088), comparable postoperative analgesic consumption (P value = 0.855), and stable hemodynamics with no reported side effects.

CONCLUSION

Both ultrasound guided ESPB and TPVB appeared to be effective in preserving pulmonary function during the first 24 h after MRM. This is thought to be due to their pain-relieving effects, as evidenced by decreased postoperative analgesic consumption and prolonged time to postoperative analgesic request in both groups.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV ID

NCT03614091 registration date on 13/7/2018.

Regional Blocks Benefit Patients Undergoing Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction, Even After Discharge

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence that regional anesthesia reduces pain in patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction. We sought to determine whether regional blocks reduce opioid consumption and improve post-discharge patient-reported pain in this population.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction with and without a regional block. We tested for differences in opioid consumption by block receipt using multivariable ordinal regression, and also assessed routinely collected patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for 10 days postoperatively and tested the association between block receipt and moderate or greater pain.

RESULTS

Of 754 patients, 89% received a block. Non-block patients had an increase in the odds of requiring a higher quartile of postoperative opioids. Among block patients, the estimated probability of being in the lowest quartile of opioids required was 25%, compared with 15% for non-block patients. Odds of patient-reported moderate or greater pain after discharge was 0.54 times lower in block patients than non-block patients (p = 0.025). Block patients had a 49% risk of moderate or greater pain compared with 64% in non-block patients on postoperative day 5. There was no indication of any reason for these differences other than a causal effect of the block.

CONCLUSION

Receipt of a regional block resulted in reduced opioid use and lower risk of self-reported moderate and higher pain after discharge in bilateral mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction patients. Our use of PROs suggests that the analgesic effects of blocks persist after discharge, beyond the expected duration of a 'single shot' block.

Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) surgery is one of the most difficult breast reconstruction techniques available, both in terms of operating complexity and patient recovery. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways were recently introduced in numerous subspecialties to reduce recovery time, patient pain, and cost by providing multimodal perioperative care. Plastic surgery has yet to widely integrate ERAS with DIEP reconstruction, mostly due to insufficient data on patient outcomes with this combined approach.

METHODS

Five major medical databases were queried using predetermined search criteria according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane's RevMan (v5.4).

RESULTS

A total of 466 articles were identified. A total of 14 studies were included in the review with a combined sample of 2102 patients. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis with a combined sample of 1679 patients. On average, the included studies utilized 11.69 of 18 suggested protocols for ERAS with breast reconstruction. Our primary outcome, length of stay, was reduced by a mean of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.30, -0.94], n = 1627, p < 0.001) days in the ERAS group. Postoperative oral morphine equivalents (OME) were also reduced in the ERAS group by 104.02 (95% CI [-181.43, -26.61], n = 545, p = 0.008) OME. The ERAS group saw a significant 3.54 (95% CI [-4.43, -2.65], n = 527, p < 0.001) standardized mean difference cost reduction relative to the control groups. The surgery time was reduced by 60.46 (95% CI [-125, 4.29], n = 624, p < 0.07) min, although this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS pathway in DIEP breast reconstruction is consistently associated with reduced hospital stay, opioid use, and patient cost. Moreover, there appears to be no evidence of serious adverse outcomes associated with the application of the ERAS protocol.

Implementation of the Maryland Global Budget Revenue Model and Variation in the Expenditures and Outcomes of Surgical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of the Global Budget Revenue (GBR) program on outcomes after surgery.

BACKGROUND

There is limited data summarizing the effect of the GBR program on surgical outcomes as compared with traditional fee-for-service systems.

METHODS

The Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to conduct a systematic literature search on April 5, 2022. We identified full-length reports of comparative studies involving patients who underwent surgery in Maryland after implementation of the GBR program. A random effects model calculated the overall pooled estimate for each outcome which included complications, rates of readmission and mortality, length of stay, and costs.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 8 unique studies included in the meta-analysis. Our analytical sample was comprised of 170,011 Maryland patients, 78,171 patients in the pre-GBR group, and 91,840 patients in the post-GBR group. The pooled analysis identified modest reductions in costs [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.34; 95% CI, -0.42, -0.25; P <0.001], complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36-0.92, P =0.02], readmission (OR: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.72-0.85, P <0.001), mortality (OR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47-0.72, P <0.001), and length of stay (standardized mean difference: -0.26; 95% CI, -0.32, -0.2, P <0.001) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the GBR program is associated with improved outcomes and reductions in costs among Maryland patients who underwent surgical procedures. This is particularly salient given the increasing need to disseminate and scale population-based payment models that improve patient care while controlling health care costs.

The Role of Maximal Locoregional Block in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become the standard of care in microsurgical breast reconstruction. The current literature provides overwhelming evidence of the benefit of ERAS pathways in improving quality of recovery, decreasing length of hospital stay, and minimizing the amount of postoperative narcotic use in these patients. However, there are limited data on the role of using maximal locoregional anesthetic blocks targeting both the abdomen and chest as an integral part of an ERAS protocol in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of implementing a comprehensive ERAS protocol with and without maximal locoregional nerve blocks to determine any added benefit of these blocks to the standard ERAS pathway.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients who underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction in the period between July 2017 and February 2020 were included in this retrospective institutional review board-approved study. The goal was to compare patients who received combined abdominal and thoracic wall locoregional blocks as part of their ERAS pathway (study group) with those who had only transversus abdominis plane blocks. The primary end points were total hospital length of stay, overall opioids consumption, and overall postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The use of supplemental thoracic wall block resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay in the study group of 3.2 days compared with 4.2 days for the control group (P < 0.01). Postoperative total morphine equivalent consumption was lower at 38 mg in the study group compared with 51 mg in the control group (P < 0.01). Complications occurred in 6 cases (15%) in the control group versus one minor complication in the thoracic block group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in demographics, comorbidities, and type of reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

The maximal locoregional nerve block including a complete chest wall block confers added benefits to the standard ERAS protocol in microvascular breast reconstruction.

Preoperative Paravertebral Block and Chronic Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Double-blind Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of paravertebral block in preventing chronic pain after breast surgery remains controversial. The primary hypothesis of this study was that paravertebral block reduces the incidence of chronic pain 3 months after breast cancer surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, 380 women undergoing partial or complete mastectomy with or without lymph node dissection were randomized to receive preoperative paravertebral block with either 0.35 ml/kg 0.75% ropivacaine (paravertebral group) or saline (control group). Systemic multimodal analgesia was administered in both groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of chronic pain with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score greater than or equal to 3 out of 10, 3 months after surgery. The secondary outcomes were acute pain, analgesic consumption, nausea and vomiting, chronic pain at 6 and 12 months, neuropathic pain, pain interference, anxiety, and depression.

RESULTS

Overall, 178 patients received ropivacaine, and 174 received saline. At 3 months, chronic pain was reported in 93 of 178 (52.2%) and 83 of 174 (47.7%) patients in the paravertebral and control groups, respectively (odds ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.82], P = 0.394). At 6 and 12 months, chronic pain occurred in 104 of 178 (58.4%) versus 79 of 174 (45.4%) and 105 of 178 (59.0%) versus 93 of 174 (53.4%) patients in the paravertebral and control groups, respectively. Greater acute postoperative pain was observed in the control group 0 to 2 h (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve at rest, 4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 2.9 ± 2.8 VAS score units × hours, P < 0.001) and when maximal in this interval (3.8 ± 2.1 vs. 2.5 ± 2.5, P < 0.001) but not during any other interval. Postoperative morphine use was 73% less in the paravertebral group (odds ratio, 0.272 [95% CI, 0.171 to 0.429]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Paravertebral block did not reduce the incidence of chronic pain after breast surgery. Paravertebral block did result in less immediate postoperative pain, but there were no other significant differences in postoperative outcomes.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Preoperative multimodal protocol reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is a high-risk cohort for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Known risk factors for PONV include female gender, prior PONV history, nonsmoker, age < 50, and postoperative opioid exposure. The objective of this observational, cohort analysis was to determine whether a standardized preoperative protocol with nonopioid and anti-nausea multimodal medications would reduce the odds of PONV.

METHODS

After IRB approval, retrospective data were collected for patients undergoing mastectomy with or without a nodal resection, and immediate subpectoral tissue expander or implant reconstruction. Patients were grouped based on treatment: those receiving the protocol - oral acetaminophen, pregabalin, celecoxib, and transdermal scopolamine (APCS); those receiving none (NONE), and those receiving partial protocol (OTHER). Logistic regression models were used to compare PONV among treatment groups, adjusting for patient and procedural variables.

MAIN FINDINGS

Among 305 cases, the mean age was 47 years (21-74), with 64% undergoing a bilateral procedure and 85% having had a concomitant nodal procedure. A total of 44.6% received APCS, 30.8% received OTHER, and 24.6% received NONE. The APCS group had the lowest rate of PONV (40%), followed by OTHER (47%), and NONE (59%). Adjusting for known preoperative variables, the odds of PONV were significantly lower in the APCS group versus the NONE group (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.88 p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Premedication with a relatively inexpensive combination of oral non-opioids and an anti-nausea medication was associated with a significant reduction in PONV in a high-risk cohort. Use of a standardized protocol can lead to improved care while optimizing the patient experience.

Standard preoperative use of nonopioid multi-modal medications for patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and the effect on postoperative opioid needs

Standardized nonopioid preoperative protocol effects perioperative opioids. Combined use of acetaminophen, pregabalin, celecoxib, and transdermal scopolamine (APCS), in mastectomy with immediate subpectoral reconstruction procedures. Retrospective (2014-2017) cohort study (n = 305) examined treatment groups; APCS, no treatment (NONE), and partial combination APCS (OTHER), employing multivariable gamma regression models controlling preoperative and perioperative variables, examining postoperative opioid use (oral morphine equivalents, OME) and hospital stay (hours, LOS). APCS group had a 25% statistical reduction in OME total vs OTHER, a 12% statistical reduction in LOS vs OTHER, and 11% statistical reduction in LOS vs NONE. Standardized nonopioid preoperative protocol provides insight into perioperative opioid use.

Non-narcotic Perioperative Pain Management in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction During an Opioid Crisis: A Systematic Review of Paravertebral Blocks

Background:

Alternatives to postoperative, narcotic pain management following implant-based, postmastectomy breast reconstruction (IBR) must be a focus for plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists, especially with the current opioid epidemic. Paravertebral blocks (PVBs) are a regional technique that has demonstrated efficacy in patients undergoing a variety of breast cancer–related surgeries. However, a specific understanding of PVB’s efficacy in pain management in patients who undergo IBR is lacking.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library electronic database was conducted to examine PVB administration in mastectomy patients undergoing IBR. Data were abstracted regarding: authors, publication year, study design, patient demographics, tumor laterality, tumor stage, type, and timing of reconstruction. The primary outcome was PVB efficacy, represented as patient-reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes of interest include narcotic consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, antiemetic use, and length of stay.

Results:

The search resulted in 1,516 unique articles. After title and abstract screening, 29 articles met the inclusion criteria for full-text review. Only 7 studies were included. Of those, 2 studies were randomized control trials and 5 were retrospective cohort studies. Heterogeneity of included studies precluded a meta-analysis. Overall, PVB patients had improved pain control, and less opioid consumption.

Conclusion:

PVBs are a regional anesthesia technique which may aid in pain management in the breast reconstructive setting. Evidence suggests that PVBs aid in controlling acute postoperative pain, reduce opioid consumption, and improve patient length of stay. However, some conflicting findings demonstrate a need for continued research in this area of pain control.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways in breast reconstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways are increasingly promoted in post-mastectomy reconstruction, with several articles reporting their benefits and safety. This meta-analysis appraises the evidence for ERAS pathways in breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify reports of ERAS protocols in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Two reviewers screened studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated at least one of the following end-points of interest: length of stay (LOS), opioid use, or major complications. Risk of bias was assessed for each study. Meta-analysis was performed via a mixed-effects model to compare outcomes for ERAS versus traditional standard of care. Surgical techniques were assessed through subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 260 articles were identified; 9 (3.46%) met inclusion criteria with a total of 1191 patients. Most studies had "fair" methodological quality and incomplete implementation of ERAS society recommendations was noted. Autologous flaps comprised the majority of cases. In autologous breast reconstruction, ERAS significantly reduces opioid use [Mean difference (MD) = - 183.96, 95% CI - 340.27 to 27.64, p = 0.02) and LOS (MD) = - 1.58, 95% CI - 1.99 to 1.18, p < 0.00001] versus traditional care. There is no significant difference in the incidence of complications (major complications, readmission, hematoma, and infection).

CONCLUSION

ERAS pathways significantly reduce opioid use and length of hospital stay following autologous breast reconstruction without increasing complication rates. This is salient given the current US healthcare climate of rising expenditures and an opioid crisis.