ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate and evaluate the feasibility and analgesic effect of ultrasound guided intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) blockade in patients with persistent pain after radical mastectomy with ICBN preservation.Methods In a total of 53 following-up female cases,aged 18-55 years,ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ,receiving radical mastectomy with ICBN preservation during January,2014 to February,2016,19 patients complained persistent pain in the lateral chest,axilla and/or upper arm more than 3 months after the surgery were enrolled.ICBN blockade was performed using 0.5% ropivacine 10 mL injected in the potential space between the superior of pectoralis minor muscle and the inferior of serratus anterior muscle in the second intercostal space guided by ultrasound.Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to assess the pain intensity at rest,on movement,and with 100 kPa pressure before blockage and 30 min thereafter,and then the pain intensity (SPI) was calculated.All nerve blockade-related adverse events including local anesthetic-related allergy,central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity were recorded.Seven-day follow-ups were required in all patients to assess the pain intensity.Results All 19 cases completed ICBN blockade guided by ultrasound,of which 17 cases completed the seven-day follow-ups.The mean difference in SPI was-9.19 VAS points (95%CI-11.24--7.14,P<0.01).Compared with each mean VAS and SPI before block,all that after block at day 1-6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05).There were 14(82.4%),13(76.5%),7(41.2%) and 3(17.6%)cases that SPI was decreased over 5 points after block at day 1-4.No nerve blockade-related adverse event was observed.Conclusion Ultrasound guided ICBN blockade can relieve persistent post-mastectomy pain safely and effectively.