Erector Spinae Block vs Paravertebral Block for Chronic Pain After Mastectomy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, interventional trial compares two regional anesthesia techniques—erector spinae block and paravertebral block—in adults undergoing total mastectomy with or without axillary dissection. The study seeks to determine if the erector spinae block lowers the incidence of chronic pain at 3 months and influences perioperative outcomes such as opioid use, early pain scores, block performance time, and short-term complications or mood symptoms. Enrollment targets 132 participants (66 per group) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Participants are adults aged 18–80, ASA 1–3, scheduled for mastectomy and willing to receive regional anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria include prior thoracic surgery with large incisions, allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, significant coagulopathy, ASA 4+, or history of chronic pain or untreated depression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients between 18 and 80 years old.
* Scheduled to total mastectomy with or without axillary dissection
* Willing to receive regional anesthesia in addition to GA
* ASA classification 1-3

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous thoracic surgery with an incision of \>2 cm
* Patient's refusal
* Allergy to local anesthetics
* Pregnant women
* Any contraindications to thoracic PVB, including intrathoracic infection, infection at the puncture site, cancer invasion of the puncture site, severe spinal deformity, history of spinal surgery, and severe coagulopathy; anticoagulants intake.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of 4 or higher,
* History of chronic pain or untreated clinical severe depression

Where it's running

• American University of Beirut Medical Center
  Beirut, Lebanon Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nancy Abou Nafeh, MD — American University of Beirut Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Nancy Abou Nafeh, MD
• Email: na181@aub.edu.lb
• Phone: 01350000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.