06 May Mastectomy: Use of Paravertebral Block for Pain Control

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Judy C. Boughey, MD
Chair, Division of Surgery Research
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Boughey: Use of paravertebral block (a form of regional anesthesia) in women undergoing mastectomy results in less need for opioid medications and less frequent use of anti-nausea medication after surgery.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Boughey: Using paravertebral blocks in women undergoing mastectomy can improve patient experience by decreasing amount of opioids (strong pain medication) that patients need after surgery and also decrease the number of patients that require any anti-emetic medications against nausea/vomiting.

The greatest benefit was seen in those patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy with immediate tissue expander/implant based reconstruction.

Citation:

Abstract Presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons
April 30-May4 2014

Paravertebral Block in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy – Improves Pain Control and Decreases Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Aodhnait S. Fahy1, Judy C. Boughey1, Nora S. Eldin1, Benzon Dy1, William S. Harmsen3, Hans Sviggum2, James W. Jakub1

1Department of Surgery, 2Department of Anesthesia, 3Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Last Updated on November 4, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD