The efficacy of ultrasound-guided rhomboid intercostal block versus serratus plane block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy

Abstract

Postoperative pain is a notable issue that arises following undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). The probable reasons for perioperative myofascial pain are the excision of the pectoralis major fascia and the stretching of the pectoralis muscles to enhance surgical accessibility. After a radical mastectomy with axillary involvement, perioperative discomfort may additionally impact the thoracodorsal, pectoral, and long thoracic nerves in along with the branches of the intercostal nerves. Consequently, several analgesic treatments have been suggested to alleviate immediate postoperative pain. These procedures include intercostal blocks, infiltrating with local anaesthesia, erector spinae plane blocking (ESP), serratus plane block (SAB blocking), paravertebral block, and rhomboid intercostal blocking (RIB). The superiority of one over the others remains unclear. The SAB approach is a novel method for pain relief that offers effective postoperative analgesia for individuals receiving MRM. The ultrasound guided rhomboid intercostal block (US-RIB) is a recently developed method for administering a facial block. Recent clinical trials have shown that RIB is a good treatment for reducing postoperative pain among individuals with breast cancer following MRM surgery.