The aim of this study is to compare conventional and ultrasound guided paravertebral blocks to with respect to efficacy, patient satisfaction and complication rates.
Adequate pain control is important in breast cancer surgery. In addition to benefits to patients, effective pain management strategies also facilitate day case surgery. Regional anaesthetic techniques, and paravertebral blocks in particular, are valuable in this sphere. The conventional method of administering this block is blind and depends on anatomical landmarks for placement. Performing the block under US guidance provides real time imaging while advancing the needle. This might allow for a more accurate placement and hence a more effective block which would enhance pain relief and minimise complications.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
100
Paravertebral blocks is a regional anaesthetic technique in which thoracic spinal nerves are inhibited for post operative analgesia in patients undergoing breast surgery. The site of injection can be determined using anatomical landmarks (standard) or using ultrasound guidance.
University Hospital Galway
Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
RECRUITINGAnalgesia requirements in 24 hours post op.
Non opiate and opiate analgesia (morphine equivalent) intake at 24hours post op
Time frame: 24hours
Pain Scores
Measured on Visual Analogue Scale or Verbal Numerical Rating Scale at 1, 2 and 24 hours post operatively and 1 week
Time frame: 1, 2 and 24 hours post operatively and 1 week post operatively
Patient satisfaction
1. Satisfaction Questionnaire 2. SF 36 Questionnaire
Time frame: Up to 2 weeks post operatively
Complications
Any complication of the procedure experienced
Time frame: Up to 2 weeks post operatively
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