Moving Toward Opioid-Free Breast Surgery: Regional Blocks and a Novel Technique.

Abstract

Perioperative pain control is of increasing importance as awareness regarding the risks of under-controlled pain and opioid abuse rise. Enhanced recovery protocols and multimodal analgesia, including regional blocks, are useful tools for the plastic surgeon. The thoracic paravertebral block, pectoralis nerve I and pectoralis nerve II blocks, and proximal intercostal blocks are 3 described methods that provide regional anesthesia for breast surgery. The widespread use of these methods may be limited by the requirements for ultrasound equipment and anesthesiologists skilled in regional blocks. This article describes a novel technique of the intercostal field block under direct visualization that is safe and efficient.