Study of Erector Spinae Plane Block With Dexmedetomidine to Reduce Long-Term Pain After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Chronic postsurgical pain CPSP occurs in nearly half of patients after breast cancer surgery and can seriously impact physical and emotional health as well as quality of life. Acute pain after surgery is a key factor that increases the risk of developing CPSP. Researchers are studying the effect of a nerve block technique called erector spinae plane block ESPB combined with the drug dexmedetomidine on reducing CPSP in breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy. They will also look at how ESPB affects long-term survival outcomes. The study compares two groups of breast cancer patients having mastectomy one group receives ultrasound-guided ESPB using 0.5% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine at specific spine levels before general anesthesia, while the other group receives general anesthesia alone. The nerve block is expected to provide pain relief by targeting nerves in the chest and may reduce persistent pain after surgery. The study is randomized and double-blinded to fairly assess the treatments. Participants will be followed for up to three years after surgery. Researchers will check for chronic postsurgical pain at 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as neuropathic pain and quality of life over time. They will also monitor progression-free survival, overall survival, and event-free survival as long-term outcomes. Assessments include pain evaluation and health status questionnaires to capture the impact of treatments on recovery and well-being.

Impact of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Chronic Postsurgical Pain in Breast Cancer Patients