The impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on hemodynamic stability and postoperative pain in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer, a prevalent global malignancy in women, necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach, with surgery playing a crucial role. Severe acute pain is common post-radical breast cancer surgery, emphasizing the significance of hemodynamic stability and postoperative pain control for optimal outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on these parameters in ASA scores 1-2 patients undergoing modified radical breast cancer surgery with general anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients were divided into two groups: a general anesthesia group, with erector spinae plane block (GA+ESPB), and a control group receiving only general anesthesia (GA). Hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored, and postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at various time points. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided ESPB effectively maintained hemodynamic stability and reduced postoperative pain in breast cancer surgery patients. Statistically significant differences were observed in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure between the GA and GA+ESPB groups at multiple time points (p < 0.05). VAS scores showed a significant interaction time*group (p < 0.001), with consistent differences between the groups at all time points (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided ESPB application proved effective in preserving hemodynamic stability and managing postoperative pain in modified radical breast cancer surgery. The technique demonstrates promise in minimizing complications related to hemodynamic variations and postoperative pain, contributing to a comprehensive approach to breast cancer surgical treatment.

Clinical value of KiSS-1 and MMP-2 expression levels in breast cancer tissue in evaluating prognosis of elderly breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy.

We attempted to clarify clinical value of KiSS-1 and MMP-2 levels in breast cancer (BC) tissue in evaluating prognosis of elderly BC patients after modified radical mastectomy (MCM). The data of 192 elderly female BC patients receiving MCM in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected. According to prognosis, patients received division into poor prognosis group (n = 43) and good prognosis group (n = 149). The serum CEA level and KiSS-1 and MMP-2 levels in BC tissue received measurement in both groups. The predictive value of KiSS-1 and MMP-2 alone and jointly in adverse prognosis of elderly BC patients after MCM received assessment. Results showed that No statistical significance was exhibited between both groups in general data (P > 0.05). The serum CEA level and MMP-2 expression in BC tissue in poor prognosis group exhibited elevation relative to those in good prognosis group, and KiSS-1 expression in BC tissue in poor prognosis group exhibited depletion relative to that in good prognosis group, indicating statistical significance (P < 0.05). The high-level KiSS-1 might be a protective element for adverse prognosis of elderly BC patients after MCM, and high-level CEA and MMP-2 might be an independent risk element for adverse prognosis of elderly BC patients after MCM (P < 0.05). KiSS-1 and MMP-2 alone and jointly predicted AUC of adverse prognosis in elderly BC patients after MCM were 0.93, 0.802 and 0.958, with certain predictive values; when cutoff values of KiSS-1 and MMP-2 were 6.15 and 2.26, the predictive value was the best. In conclusion, KiSS-1 and MMP-2 levels in BC tissue possess relation to adverse prognosis of MCM. KiSS-1 and MMP-2 levels in elderly BC patients before surgery may be detected in the future to assist in prognosis evaluation of elderly BC patients after MCM.

Effects of a single subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative subthreshold depressive symptoms in patients undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy: a randomised, controlled, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in females worldwide. During disease development, breast cancer patients suffer anxious and depressed, which may lead to worse quality of life or even higher mortality. Esketamine has been regarded as an antidepressant in breast cancer patients with mild or moderate depression. Here, we wonder whether the administration of esketamine could reduce the postoperative depressive symptom score of breast cancer patients who have no preoperative depression. METHODS: A total of 64 patients treated with unilateral modified radical mastectomy were randomly divided into an experimental group (esketamine group, Group E) and a control group (Group C), with 32 cases in each one. After anesthesia induction, Group C received 0.2 ml/kg of normal saline intravenously and Group E was administered 0.2 mg/kg intravenous esketamine. The primary outcome was the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. The secondary outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain, inflammatory markers, perioperative-related indicators, and the incidence of postoperative delirium, nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The PHQ-9 score on postoperative day (POD) 1 in Group E declined from the preoperative level, while the score in Group C was higher than before, and the former was far lower than the latter (P = 0.047). There is no statistically significant difference in PHQ-9 scores between Group E and Group C on POD 3, 7, and 30. Moreover, the postoperative leukocyte level of Group E was higher than that of Group C, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: A single subanesthetic dose of esketamine can result in lower postoperative score on subthreshold depressive symptoms compared to the Group C on POD 1, without increasing the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200057028. Date of registration: 26/02/2022.

Effect of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain and inflammatory response in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A single injection of local anaesthetic (LA) in the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can reduce pain after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgery, but the duration of analgesia is affected by the duration of the LA. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of continuous ESPB on acute and chronic pain and inflammatory response after MRM surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, controlled trial, we will recruit 160 patients, aged 18-80 years, scheduled for elective MRM surgery under general anaesthesia. They will be randomly assigned to two groups: a continuous ESPB group (group E) and a sham block group (group C). Both groups of patients will have a nerve block (group C pretended to puncture) and an indwelling catheter fixed prior to surgery. Electronic pumps containing LA are shielded. The primary outcome is the total consumption of analgesic agents. The secondary outcomes include the levels of inflammation-related cytokines; the occurrence of chronic pain (post-mastectomy pain syndrome, PMPS); static and dynamic pain scores at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively; and post-operative and post-puncture adverse reactions. DISCUSSION: Analgesia after MRM surgery is important and chronic pain can develop when acute pain is prolonged, but the analgesic effect of a nerve block with a single injection of LA is limited by the duration of drug action. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether continuous ESPB can reduce acute pain after MRM surgery and reduce the incidence of chronic pain (PMPS), with fewer postoperative analgesic drug-related complications and less inflammatory response. Continuous ESPB and up to 12 months of follow-up are two innovations of this trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ) ChiCTR2200061935. Registered on 11 July 2022. This trial is a prospective registry with the following registry names: Effect of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain and inflammatory response in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

Prospective Study on Avoiding Seroma Formation by Flap Fixation After Modified Radical Mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Seroma development after mastectomy is a common complication. Continued seroma causes increased outpatient visits, repeated aspirations, infection, delayed healing, delayed adjuvant therapy, and increased cost. Various treatments are being attempted to prevent and reduce seroma development. We examined the effects of flap fixation on seroma using absorbable sutures after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). METHODS: The prospectively recorded data of patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. 72 consecutive patients who underwent MRM were included in the study. Patients who underwent MRM in the same way by the same surgeon were divided into two groups: the group whose wound was closed by fixing the flap to the chest wall with an absorbable suture (group A), and the group whose wound was closed with the classical method (group B). The groups were compared in terms of seroma development, clinicopathological data, and early complications. RESULTS: Drain removal time and the total amount of drained fluid in group A patients were significantly lower than drain removal time and the total amount of drained fluid in group B patients (P < .001). Similarly, the amount of aspirated seroma in the control examinations of group A patients was significantly lower than that in group B (P < .05). Group B needed re-aspiration significantly more than group A (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Flap fixation with suture after MRM is a method that reduces seroma formation and the amount of drained fluid, enables early removal of the drain, prevents delay in starting adjuvant treatment, is more comfortable for the patient and physician, and is also inexpensive.

Clinical Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy plus Modified Radical Mastectomy for Stage II-III Breast Cancer Patients and Its Influence on Serum Tumor Markers.

Objective: This research aims to assess the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in combination with modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for stage II-III breast cancer (BC) patients and its impact on serum tumor markers (STMs). Methods: The study included 119 stage II-III BC patients treated between June 2018 and June 2021. Among them, 55 cases underwent MRM (reference group), while 64 cases received NACT followed by MRM (research group). We compared intraoperative parameters (blood loss, operation time, hospital stay), clinical outcomes, the incidence of postoperative adverse events (AEs), changes in STMs (CA125, CA153, CEA), and one-year postoperative quality of life (QOL). Results: In comparison to the reference group, the research group exhibited significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation times, reduced hospital stays, and higher rates of disease remission. Notably, the research group experienced a lower overall incidence of AEs, including skin flap necrosis, subscalp effusion, infection, and upper limb lymphedema. Postoperatively, all STMs in the research group exhibited statistically significant reductions and were lower than those in the reference group. Additionally, all QOL subscales demonstrated improvements and higher scores in the research group. Conclusions: NACT followed by MRM represents an effective approach for enhancing surgical outcomes and clinical efficacy in stage II-III BC patients. This combination therapy also reduces the risk of postoperative AEs and leads to favorable changes in STMs and postoperative QOL levels.

Dosimetry of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy techniques after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer and hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with left-sided breast cancer who underwent hypofractionated IMRT after a modified radical mastectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients who required adjuvant radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy were randomly selected, and a specified dose of 43.5 Gy/15 F was used to plan for IMRT or VMAT. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were utilized to evaluate the dose distribution of the planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs). RESULTS: VMAT demonstrated a greater and more uniform dose distribution of PTVs and lower number of monitor units. No significant differences were found in V5 of the affected lung and heart between the two techniques (P > 0.05). The V10, V20, V30, and Dmean of the affected lung and V10, V20, V30, V40, Dmean, and Dmax of the whole heart were better in the VMAT than in the IMRT (P < 0.05). The Dmean and Dmax of the left anterior descending (LAD) branch of the coronary artery of the heart were better in the VMAT (P < 0.05), and the use of the VMAT effectively reduced the cardiopulmonary dose. A significant advantage of V30 and Dmean was also found in VMAT (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that VMAT has higher clinical significance than IMRT, because it improved the dose distribution in the target area, reduced the cardiopulmonary dose, protected the OARs (e.g. thyroid), and shortened the treatment duration.

Combined Thoracic Paravertebral Block-Interscalene Block as a Primary Anesthetic for Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Case Report.

Background: Regional anesthesia as a primary anesthetic can offer merits over general anesthesia for patients having multiple comorbidities who are at a high risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and interscalene block (ISB) have been used widely to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. Objective: There are limited data on the feasibility of combining TPVB-ISB as a sole anesthetic technique for extensive breast surgery with axillary lymph nodes dissection. Case presentation: In this report, the author presented a successful use of a combined TPVB and ISB as a sole anesthetic with conscious sedation in a 52-year-old patient with multiple comorbidities, including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, who underwent modified radical mastectomy with left axillary lymph nodes dissection. Conclusion: Combining TPVB-ISB can be used as a sole anesthetic for extensive breast surgery in patients with a high risk for general anesthesia.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Two Different Doses of Esketamine Combined Infusion on the Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer - A Randomised Controlled Study.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a combined infusion of dexmedetomidine and esketamine on the quality of recovery in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Methods: A total of 135 patients were randomly divided into three groups: dexmedetomidine group (group D) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion), dexmedetomidine plus low-dose esketamine group (group DE1) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion) and esketamine (0.5 mg/kg loading, 2 µg/kg/min infusion), dexmedetomidine plus high-dose esketamine group (group DE2) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion) and esketamine (0.5 mg/kg loading, 4 µg/kg/min infusion). The primary outcome was the overall quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores at 1 day after surgery. The secondary endpoints were total QoR-15 scores at 3 days after surgery, propofol and remifentanil requirement, awaking and extubation time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, rescue analgesic, nausea and vomiting, bradycardia, excessive sedation, nightmares, and agitation. Results: The overall QoR-15 scores were much higher in groups DE1 and DE2 than in groups D 1 and D 3 days after surgery (P < 0.05). VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24 h postoperatively, propofol and remifentanil requirements were significantly lower in groups DE1 and DE2 than in group D (P < 0.05). Compared with group D, awaking time, extubation time, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were significantly prolonged in groups DE1 and DE2 (P < 0.05) and were much longer in group DE2 than in group DE1 (P < 0.05). The proportion of postoperative rescue analgesics and bradycardia was higher and the incidence of excessive sedation was lower in group D than in groups DE1 and DE2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine plus esketamine partly improved postoperative recovery quality and decreased the incidence of bradycardia but prolonged awaking time, extubation time, and PACU stay, especially dexmedetomidine plus 4 µg/kg/min esketamine.

[Choice of immediate breast reconstructive methods after modified radical mastectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the choice of immediate breast reconstructive methods and asso-ciated outcomes after modified radical mastectomy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2009 to May 2019. The reconstructive methods were summarized, and the clinical outcomes and the safety of immediate breast reconstruction were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study. Different reconstructive methods were applied according to the clinical stage, the amount of skin removal, the size of contralateral breasts, the physical condition and the preference of the patients. Seventy-nine cases were performed with tissue expander/implant two-stage reconstruction, twenty-three cases received direct breast implant insertion, seven cases were applied for latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap transfer combined with implant insertion, five cases were provided transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap transfer, six cases underwent tissue expander/implant combined with endoscopic LD muscle flap transfer, and three cases chose tissue expander/deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer. The average follow-up time was (12.3±9.0) months (3.5-41.0 months). One patient with direct implant insertion had partial blood supply distur-bance of the mastectomy flap. One case had necrosis of distal end of TRAM zone Ⅳ. One patient with expander/DIEP reconstruction had partial fat liquefaction. And two cases had expander leakage at the end of the expansion period. The tumor local recurrence occurred in one patient, and the implant was finally removed. The outcomes were evaluated by Harris method, and 90.2% patients were good or above in shape evaluation. Among the patients with implant based reconstruction, there was no obvious capsular contracture, and most of the implants had good or fair mobility. CONCLUSION: It is safe and feasible of immediate breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy for appropriate cases. The reconstructive methods can be individualized according to the individual's different conditions. The appropriate reconstructive methods could achieve satisfactory results.

An Overview of Psychological Analysis of Breast Cancer Patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy and Breast Conservation Surgery and its impact on Objectified Body Consciousness at a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in South India.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, and surgery plays a central role in its treatment. Surgical treatments may have a negative psychological impact on women's mental health regarding their body image. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological health insights pertaining to objectified body consciousness scores before and after the surgery and also to observe whether these scores were comparable across the surgery types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data included 706 breast carcinoma patients who underwent either Breast Conservation Surgery or Modified Radical Mastectomy at tertiary care Cancer Centre, between the years 2020 to 2021. A validated questionnaire of Objectified Body Consciousness was used to obtain responses at diagnosis and at 6 months postsurgery and final scores were calculated for both instances. Two sample t-tests/analysis of variance and Chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables respectively. RESULTS: Out of total 706 breast cancer patients, 402 patients underwent Breast Conservation Surgery and 304 underwent Modified radical mastectomy procedure. A statistically significant change was seen in the mean Objectified Body Consciousness Score (14.22 ± 15.44) for all patients when compared preoperatively(72.72 ± 11.38) and postoperatively(60.15 ± 17.58). This change was higher in the Modified Radical Mastectomy group(29.38 ± 11.53). Also, statistically significant rise in scores was seen with increasing age. CONCLUSION: We could affirmatively conclude in our study that younger breast cancer patients and all patients who underwent a Modified Radical Mastectomy, had more psychological apprehension with the body image postsurgery, signifying these groups should be encouraged by healthcare professionals to reach out for counselling at the earliest.

Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program for Quality Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive subtype of breast cancer accounting for only 1% to 5% of cases but comprising 7% to 10% of breast cancer deaths. Diagnosis of IBC can be challenging which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. We formed a multidisciplinary IBC program to address the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating patients with IBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with an IBC CPT code and collected data on the date of the first visit with medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology, date of biopsy, and initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In 2020, as part of the IBC program at The Ohio State University, the decision tree (DT) was revised to help identify potential IBC patients. These patients were prioritized with a multidisciplinary appointment within 3 days. RESULTS: After adjusting the call center DT, there was a significant decline in the median and mean time from initial contact to chemotherapy initiation and an insignificant decrease in the mean time from contact to biopsy (P = .71884). The median time of contact to chemotherapy was 10 days (range 9-14) in 2020, a decrease of 43% compared to 3 prior years (P = .0068). After initiation of the IBC program, 100% of patients underwent trimodality therapy-neoadjuvant systemic therapy, modified radical mastectomy, and post mastectomy radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary IBC program that included scheduling DT with specific questions about IBC symptoms helped identify potential patients and significantly decrease time to treatment and assured completion of trimodality therapy.

Comparing the quality of analgesia with ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block and serratus anterior plane block II in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the recent use of serratus anterior plane (SAP) and pectoral nerve (PECS) blocks for pain management following breast surgery, there are insufficient data comparing their analgesic benefits. This study aimed to compare the quality of analgesia for PECS and SAP blocks in patients having modified radical mastectomy (MRM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This trial enrolled 50 adult female patients scheduled for MRM under anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. After induction of anaesthesia, 25 patients received US-guided PECS II block, and 25 patients received US-guided SAP block. The primary outcome was the time to first analgesic request. Secondary outcomes included the total analgesic consumption and postoperative pain during the first 24 hours as well as the total time to perform the block, surgeon satisfaction, haemodynamic parameters, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in the SAP group than in the PECS II block group (95% CI: 90.2-574.5, P = 0.009). The SAP block significantly lowered the total analgesics consumption, the 24 hours patient's need for analgesia, and the VAS scores immediately, as well as at 2, 8, 20, 22, and 24 hours postoperatively ( P < 0.005). Although it required a longer preparation time than PECS II block, the SAP block had comparable surgeons' satisfaction, haemodynamic parameters, and post-operative nausea and vomiting to PECS II block. CONCLUSIONS: Following MRM, US-guided SAP block provided a delayed time to first rescue analgesia with better acute pain control and lower total analgesic consumption compared to the PECS II block.

Efficacy of bi-level erector spinae plane block versus bi-level thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative analgesia in breast surgery is difficult due to the extensive nature of the surgery and the complex innervation of the breast; general anesthesia can be associated with regional anesthesia techniques to control intra- and post-postoperative pain. This randomized comparative study aimed to compare the efficacy of the erector spinae plane block and the thoracic paravertebral block in radical mastectomy procedures with or without axillary emptying. METHODS: This prospective randomized comparative study included 82 adult females who were randomly divided into two groups using a computer-generated random number. Both groups, Thoracic Paraverterbal block group and Erector Spinae Plane Block group (41 patients each), received general anesthesia associated with a multilevel single-shot thoracic paravertebral block and a multilevel single-shot erector spinae plane block, respectively. Postoperative pain intensity (expressed as Numeric Rating Scale), patients who needed rescue analgesic, intra- and post-operative opioid consumption, post-operative nausea and vomiting, length of stay, adverse events, chronic pain at 6 months, and the patient's satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: At 2 h (p < 0.001) and 6 h (p = 0.012) the Numeric Rating Scale was significantly lower in Thoracic Paraverterbal block group. The Numeric Rating Scale at 12, 24, and 36 postoperative hours did not show significant differences. There were no significant differences also in the number of patients requiring rescue doses of NSAIDs, in intra- and post-operative opioid consumption, in post-operative nausea and vomiting episodes and in the length of stay. No failures or complications occurred in the execution of techniques and none of the patients reported any chronic pain at six months from the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Both thoracic paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block can be effectively used in controlling post-mastectomy pain with no significant differences between the two blocks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (trial identifier NCT04457115) (first registration 27/04/2020).

Effect of Erector Spinae Block and Pectoralis Block on Quality of Recovery and Analgesia After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A randomised controlled study.

Objectives: Post-operative pain after a modified radical mastectomy ranges from moderate to severe. Pectoralis (PECS) block has been found to be more effective than erector spinae block in reducing pain and the consumption of rescue analgesia in the post-operative period. This study aimed to compare the effect of erector spinae block and PECS block on the quality of recovery after modified radical mastectomy using the quality of recovery (QoR-40) score. Methods: This randomised controlled study was conducted at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India, from 9th October 2020 to 9th October 2021. After general anaesthesia, patients were given blocks according to computer-generated randomisation: Group I: PEC I and PEC II (PECS) blocks; Group II: erector spinae plane (ESP) block; and Group III: control group (no intervention). The QoR-40 score was observed on the morning of the surgery and after 24 hours. Time to rescue analgesia and the total consumption of rescue analgesia in the first 24 hours were also observed. Results: A total of 90 patients were included (30 in each group). In the post-operative period after 24 hours, global QoR-40 scores were 183.64 ± 6.36, 179.68 ± 6.38 and 171.37 ± 6.88 in the PECS, ESP and control groups (P <0.0001). But there was no statistically significant difference between the QoR scores of PECS and ESP group patients (P = 0.0551). The total requirement of rescue analgesic was significantly lower in the PECS group (137.28 ± 31.46 mg) than in the ESP (189.46 ± 42.98 mg) and control (229.57 ± 46.80 mg) groups (P <0.0001). Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly higher in the PECS group (6.53 ± 2.78 hours) than in the ESP (4.05 ± 2.91 hours) and control (2.15 ± 1.51 hours) groups (P <0.0001). Conclusion: Both ESP and PECS blocks were effective in improving the QoR score and in reducing the consumption of rescue analgesia after modified radical mastectomy.

General anesthesia with S-ketamine improves the early recovery and cognitive function in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common postoperative disorder that is frequently observed after general anesthesia, which seriously threatens the quality of patients' life. Existing studies have demonstrated that S-ketamine plays an important role in improving neuroinflammation. This trial aimed to explore the effects of S-ketamine on quality of recovery and cognitive function in patients following modified radical mastectomy (MRM). METHODS: Ninety patients aged 45 to 70 years with ASA grades of I or II, who underwent MRM, were selected. Patients were randomly assigned to the S-ketamine or control group. In the S-ketamine group, patients were induced with S-ketamine instead of sufentanil and maintained with S-ketamine and remifentanil. In the control group, patients were induced with sufentanil and maintained with remifentanil. The primary outcome was the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score. Secondary outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS) score, cumulative propofol and opioids consumption, post anesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery time, occurrence of remedial analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), other adverse events, as well as patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The global QoR-15 scores at postoperative day 1 (POD1) were significantly higher in the S-ketamine group than in the control group (124 [119.5-128.0] vs. 119 [114.0-123.5], P = 0.002), with a median difference of 5 points (95% confidence interval [CI] [-8 to -2]). Similarly, the global QoR-15 scores at postoperative day 2 (POD2) in the S-ketamine group were significantly higher than in the control group (140.0 [133.0-145.0] vs. 132.0 [126.5-141.5], P = 0.004). In addition, among the five subcomponents of the 15-item scale, S-ketamine group had a higher score in terms of physical comfort, pain, and emotional state both at POD1 and POD2. In terms of MMSE score, S-ketamine could promote the recovery of postoperative cognitive function at POD1, but not at POD2. Furthermore, the consumption of opioids, VAS score, and remedial analgesia in the S-ketamine group decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our findings support that general anesthesia with S-ketamine as a potential strategy showed high safety and could not only improve the quality of recovery mainly through improving pain, physical comfort, and emotional state but also promote the recovery of cognitive function on POD1 in patients undergoing MRM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration No:ChiCTR2200057226, Date of registration: 04/03/2022).

Breast Conserving Surgery is Better for Sexual Satisfaction Compared to a Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the difference between the level of sexual satisfaction in breast cancer patients with Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) and Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS). METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study using a validated Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. This study was conducted from 2020 until 2021. Data were collected and analyzed using the chi-square test for bivariate variables and logistic regression for multivariate variables. RESULTS: Patients with BCS were more satisfied with their sexual activity than patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (p = 0.0001, OR 6.25, CI = 2.78 - 14.01). Other factors having effect on sexual satisfactions were: age that showed a statistically effect on sexual satisfaction (patients <55 years were more satisfied than patients ≥55 years ( p = 0.004, OR = 3.23, CI 1.44 - 7.22), the period after operation (<5 years vs >5 years) showed a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction ( p = 0.087, OR=0.53, CI = 0.25-1.10), Having chemotherapy treatment showed statistically significant risk for sexual satisfaction (p = 0.003, OR=7.39, CI= 1.62-33.83). Factors having no statistically significant effect on sexual satisfactions were: Radiotherapy treatment (p = 0.133, OR=1.75 and CI = 0.84 -3.64), length of marriage as defined with <10 years and > 10 years (p = 0.616, OR=1.39 and CI = 0.38-5.09), marital status (p = 0.082, OR =0.39, CI=0,13 - 1.16), educational status (p = 0.778, OR = 1.18, CI = 0.37 - 3.75), and work at home vs outside home (p = 0.117, OR=1.8, and CI = 0.86 - 3.78). CONCLUSION: BCS as surgical therapy option is the most dominant factor related to sexual satisfaction followed by age group, and chemotherapy group.

Effectiveness of Scapular Strengthening Exercises on Shoulder Dysfunction for Pain and Functional Disability after Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most prevalent from of cancer among women worldwide and leading cause of death. Breast cancer can be treated surgically, systemically (with hormonal therapy, chemotherapy) or with radiotherapy. Through the years, breast cancers management evolved towards conservation surgery. A surgical remove of partial or complete breast tissue, surrounding tissues, and nearby lymph nodes is called mastectomy. In Modified Radical Mastectomy, there is removal of entire breast tissue and lymph nodes. Treatment of modified radical mastectomy may lead to side effects such as shoulder pain, restricted shoulder mobility and anatomical and biomechanical changes of the shoulder, and also reduce functional disability. METHOD: Eighty six participants were included in this study. Two groups, each of 43 were made, Group A (control group) was given conventional exercises and Group B (study group) was given scapular strengthening exercises with conventional exercises. Outcome measures - Shoulder Pain And Functional Disability, Shoulder range of motion were assessed both pre and post-test. RESULT: Group B had lower pain intensity (77.116 ± 5.798vs 82.837 ± 3.860) and functional disability (70.326 ± 5.281 vs 77.791± 5.102) and higher shoulder flexion (167.98 ± 8.230 vs 107.05 ±8.018), abduction (156.91 ± 8.230 vs 107.63 ±8.230) and external rotation (62.372 ± 7.007 vs 41.907 ±6.771) range of motion than Group A. CONCLUSION: The current study concluded that, scapular strengthening exercises along with conventional treatment proved beneficial and effective rather than only conventional treatment on shoulder dysfunction for pain and functional disability after modified radical mastectomy.