Efficacy of Pectoral Nerve Block using Bupivacaine with or without Magnesium Sulfate

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, breast cancer is the main common cancer among females. In the United States, it affects one in eight women during their lifespan. In breast cancer surgery, chronic pain can be developed from poorly managed acute postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to use a safe, easy, and less complicated method of regional block for reducing the postoperative pain after mastectomy, which will reduce the incidence of chronic postmastectomy pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety adult female patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I, II, and III were allocated randomly into three groups: Group C had general anesthesia; Group B had ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block (PECS block) (28mL 0.25% bupivacaine+2mL normal saline) plus general anesthesia; and Group M had ultrasound-guided PECS block (total 28 mL of Bupivacaine 0.25%+2mL of magnesium sulfat 50%) plus general anesthesia. RESULTS: The intraoperative fentanyl (μg) used was significantly lower in Group B (110.4 ± 26.3) and Group M (108.7 ± 14.1) than in Group C (214.3 ± 20.1) and also the same as regards the total postoperative pethidine (mg) in Group C (220 ± 25.5), Group B (100.6 ± 24.3), and Group M (52.3 ± 12.3). The Group M was the least group suffered from postoperative pain at all times of measurement. CONCLUSION: The Group M was the least group suffered from postoperative pain at all times of measurement.