Using ultrasound-guided PECS block to reduce pain and opioid use after breast cancer surgery

Effectiveness of Ultrasound Guided PECS Block on Opioid Consumption and Patient Satisfaction Through Adequate Pain Control Following Breast Cancer Surgery. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Aga Khan University · NCT04343807

This study is testing whether using ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve blocks can help reduce pain and the need for opioids after breast cancer surgery for adults aged 18 to 65.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAga Khan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT04343807 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve blocks (PECS) in reducing opioid consumption and improving patient satisfaction following modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. It compares the outcomes of patients receiving the PECS block to those receiving conventional pain management strategies. The study aims to demonstrate that PECS blocks provide superior analgesia with fewer side effects, leading to better postoperative experiences for patients. The research focuses on adults aged 18 to 65 who are undergoing elective surgery and meet specific health criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 undergoing elective modified radical mastectomy with ASA I or II classification.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, coagulopathy, or previous breast surgeries.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid use and enhance patient satisfaction after breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with regional anesthetic techniques like PECS blocks in similar surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing elective modified radical mastectomy (MRM)
* All adults aged between 18 and 65 years
* ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists ) I \& II

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* Hypersensitivity to local anaesthetics
* Coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis
* Local infection at the site of block
* BMI more than 35 kg/m2
* Chest wall deformity or previous breast surgery
* MRM with latissimus dorsi or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

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 Neoplasm FemalePain, PostoperativePainAnalgesiaAnaesthesiaBreast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.