The efficacy of pectoral nerve block for pain control after breast augmentation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

The efficacy of pectoral nerve block for pain control remains unknown in patients undergoing breast augmentation. This meta-analysis aims to explore the analgesic efficacy of pectoral nerve block for breast augmentation.We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases, and included randomized controlled trials reporting pectoral nerve block versus no block for breast augmentation.Five randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control group after breast augmentation, pectoral nerve block was associated with substantially reduced pain scores at 1 hour (standard mean difference [SMD] = -1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.81 to -0.44; P = .007), maximal pain scores at 1 to 6 hours (SMD = -1.72; 95% CI = -2.75 to -0.69; P = .001) and 6 to 24 hours (SMD = -2.06; 95% CI = -3.40 to -0.72; P = .003), rescue analgesic (odd ratio = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05-0.57; P = .004), nausea (SMD = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.08-0.54; P = .001), and vomiting (odd ratio = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.05-0.39; P = .0001).Pectoral nerve block benefits to alleviate pain intensity after breast augmentation.