The addition of interpectoral and pectoserratus fascial plane blocks to paravertebral blocks for analgesia after total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors' conclusion
This RCT showed the feasibility and safety of the intervention with a high retention to the end of follow-up. Nevertheless, we did not meet our prespecified recruitment target, and the results did not provide evidence of potential effectiveness of the intervention to sufficiently support the conduct of a definitive efficacy RCT.
Study context
- Population
- Adult female patients undergoing breast reconstruction using tissue expanders or implants after total mastectomyof 83 eligible
- Participants
- 30 patients
- Comparison
- TPVB + interpectoral and pectoserratus blocks vs TPVB + saline
- Primary endpoint
- Feasibility (recruitment, retention, block administration, safety)
Methodological details1:1 randomisation, saline-controlled, single-centre
- 1:1 randomisation
- Saline-controlled
- Single-centre
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Feasibility
Randomised of eligible
30
36%
Average recruitment, patients per month
1.3
Retention to end of follow-up (six months)
90%
Further findings
Mean
| Outcome | Intervention | Control | Difference in means (80% CI) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRS pain score · 24 hr postoperatively | 3.5 (SD 1.9) | 3.0 (SD 1.9) | −0.5 (−1.4 to 0.5) | |
| −2−101Difference (linear scale) |
- Numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score: assessed whether lower bound of 80% CI for between-group difference was > 0
Safety
Block-related complications
- No complications associated with the blocks
Original publication
The addition of interpectoral and pectoserratus fascial plane blocks to paravertebral blocks for analgesia after total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial. Can J Anaesth. Published 22 September 2025. doi:10.
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