Abstract

Background: The Erector Spinae Plane block (ESPB) is a new potential interfascial block technique used to decrease pain after breast surgery. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is tried as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to improve the analgesic profile and duration of different anesthetic techniques. The study evaluates the assumption that DEX can prolong and enhance the analgesic effect of ESPB in breast cancer surgeries.
Methodology: This prospective randomized controlled study included 60 females scheduled for breast cancer surgery. Patients were randomized into three equal groups: ESP group received an ultrasound-guided ESPB with 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5%. DEX group received ESPB with 19 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 1 ml of normal saline containing 1 µg/kg DEX. The control group received the standard general anesthesia only.
Results: The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in ESP and DEX groups than in the control group and in the DEX group than ESP group (p

Key words: Analgesia; Breast Neoplasms; Bupivacaine; Dexmedetomidine; Nerve Block