Using Rhomboid Intercostal Block to Reduce Pain After Mastectomy

The Effect of Single Shot Rhomboid Intercostal Plane Block on Chronic Pain Incidence and Acute Pain Scores After Mastectomy Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University · NCT06019325

This study is testing if a special pain relief technique called the Rhomboid Intercostal Block can help women feel less pain after having a mastectomy for breast cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment254 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMuğla Sıtkı Koçman University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mugla, Menteşe)
Trial IDNCT06019325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Rhomboid Intercostal Block (RIB) in reducing both acute and chronic pain in women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. It is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial where participants will either receive the RIB or no block intervention following surgery. Pain levels will be assessed at various postoperative intervals using a Numerical Rating Scale, and the incidence of chronic pain will be compared between the two groups at three and six months post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18-65 who are undergoing breast cancer surgery under general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic opioid use, certain psychiatric conditions, or those with infections at injection sites may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain in breast cancer surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that similar nerve blocks can effectively manage acute postoperative pain, but the impact on chronic pain remains less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA I-II patients
* Female
* Ages between 18-65
* Patients who will receive breast cancer surgery under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Alcohol or substance or chronic opioid consumption story
* Any pain killers intake in the last 24 hours prior to surgery
* Body mass index over 35 kg/m2
* Infection at the injection sites
* Known allergy to local anesthetics
* Known psychiatric diseases which prevents communication
* Operations longer than 3 hours

Where this trial is running

Mugla, Menteşe

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerPostoperative Pain, AcutePostoperative Pain, ChronicNeuropathic Painanalgesiaacute painchronic painneuropathic pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.