Breast Cancer Treatment (Mastectomy Experiences) May Initiate Individuation Process That Redefines Identities: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review examines the impact of breast cancer treatment experiences, with a focus on mastectomy, on the psychosocial well-being of women. While previous studies have shown that mastectomy is associated with negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and a loss of femininity, a new body of literature suggests that it can also be a catalyst for post-traumatic growth and personal transformation. The article argues that mastectomy experiences can initiate an individuation process that leads to a more empowered sense of self and a higher quality of life. The review identified 25 studies that employed qualitative methods and analyzed data from interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The article discusses the application of Jung’s individuation theory to categorize the experiences of women with breast cancer and links breast cancer diagnosis and treatment to the death-experience stage of the theory. The content highlights the importance of movement, contemplation, and spirituality in the healing process, and how they can help women connect with their bodies and develop a new sense of identity. Additionally, the content discusses the role of spirituality in enhancing growth and healing among indigenous native women patients with breast cancer. Overall, this article provides insights into how breast cancer treatment experiences can shape women’s identity, enhance resilience, and provide opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Therapeutic Approaches to Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome

Background: Breast cancer is increasingly common in society and post-mastectomy pain is a striking condition associated with surgery, both intra and postoperatively. The post-mastectomy syndrome is characterized by the persistence of pain for more than 3 months after the procedure. It is mostly of neuropathic origin and is highly refractory to treatments, which vary from clinical to surgical measures and alternative techniques. In this context, it is essential to understand the possible approaches to these patients. Objective: Understand alternatives for pain management in patients undergoing mastectomy, especially in those in whom pain persists for more than 3 months. Methods: Systematic literature review, conducted in the Virtual Health Library databases includes: Lilacs, SciELO, Medline, PubMed and Cochrane between 2018 and 2023, restricted to articles in English with the descriptors: Mastectomy, chronic Pain, Nerve Blocks and Breast Cancer. 317 articles were found involving the descriptors presented, all in English. After reading the abstracts, 28 articles were selected. Results: This review analyzed 28 scientific studies that rigorously met the previously established characteristics in the sample selection. The synthesis included the following aspects: author/year of publication, article title, objective, type of study and database. Conclusion: It was concluded that, according to the analyzed studies, post-mastectomy pain is a problem that has increased its incidence and that needs the attention of health professionals. The use of antineuropathic medications, nerve blocks, fat grafting, lymph node transplantation, therapy, physical activity and acupuncture are some examples of therapeutic approaches for these women. Therefore, the team must assist the patients, seeking to provide a better prognosis, quality of life and comfort.

Immediate nipple-areola-sparing mastectomy reconstruction: An update on oncological and reconstruction techniques

Nipple-sparing mastectomy(NSM) is a safe technique in patients who are candidates for conservation breast surgery. However, there is worry concerning its oncological safety and surgical outcome in terms of postoperative complications. The authors reviewed the literature to evaluate the oncological safety, patient selection, surgical techniques, and also to identify the factors influencing postoperative outcome and complication rates. Patient selection and safety related to NSM are based on oncological and anatomical parameters. Among the main criteria, the oncological aspects include the clinical stage of breast cancer, tumor characteristics and location including small, peripherally located tumors, without multicentricity, or for prophylactic mastectomy. Surgical success depends on coordinated planning with the oncological surgeon andcareful preoperative and intraoperative management. In general, the NSM reconstruction is related to autologous and alloplastic techniques and sometimes include contra-lateral breast surgery. Choice of reconstructive technique following NSM requires accurate consideration of various patient related factors, including: breast volume, degree of ptosis, areola size, clinical factors, and surgeon's experience. In addition, tumor related factors include dimension, location and proximity to the nipple-areola complex. Regardless of the fact that there is no unanimity concerning the appropriate technique, the criteria are determined by the surgeon's experience and the anatomical aspects of the breast. The positive aspects of the technique utilized should include low interference with the oncological treatment, reproducibility, and long-term results. Selected patients can have safe outcomes and therefore this may be a feasible option for early breast cancer management. However, available data demonstrates that NSM can be safely performed for breast cancer treatment in selected cases. Additional studies and longer follow-up are necessary to define consistent selection criteria for NSM.

Present status of endoscopic mastectomy for breast cancer

Endoscopy is now being used for breast cancer surgery. Though it is used for mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and breast reconstruction, its prime use is for mastectomy. Because an incision can be placed inconspicuously in the axillary site, a relatively largeincision can be created. A retractor with an endoscope, CO2, and an abrasion device with the endoscope are used for operation space security. It is extremely rare that an endoscope is used for lymph node dissection. For breast reconstruction, it may be used for latissimus muscle flap making, but an endoscope is rarely used for other reconstructions. Endoscopic mastectomy is limited to certain institutions and practiced hands, and it has not been significantly developed in breast cancer surgery. On the other hand, endoscopic surgery may be used widely in breast reconstruction. With respect to the spread of robotic surgery, many factors remain uncertain.

Multi-center investigation of breast reconstruction after mastectomy from Chinese Society of Breast Surgery:A survey based on 31 tertiary hospitals(CSBrS-004)

Objective:Multi-center data on the current status and trends of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in China are lacking.Herein,we conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate the current clinical practice pattern of postmastectomy breast reconstruction among Chinese female patients with breast cancer.Methods:A standardized questionnaire used to collect information on breast reconstruction among females diagnosed with breast cancer was distributed by 31 members of the Chinese Society of Breast Surgery between January 1,2018 and December 31,2018.Information was collected on tumor characteristics,treatment,mesh application,nipple-areola complex(NAC)preservation,postoperative complications,bilateral reconstruction,patient satisfaction and local recurrence.The overall rate of breast reconstruction was assessed,and the characteristics were compared across patient groups with different reconstruction approaches.Results:A total of 1,554 patients underwent breast reconstruction after total mastectomy,with a reconstruction rate of 9.6%.Among them,1,190 were implant-based,and 262 underwent autologous reconstructions,while 102 cases underwent a combination of both.Patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction were younger than those who received autologous reconstruction(40.1±4.6 vs.45.0±5.9,P=0.004).Compared to patients with autologous reconstruction,mesh application(25.5%vs.6.5%),NAC preservation(51.8%vs.40.5%)and reconstruction failure(1.8%vs.0)were more frequently reported among those with implant-based reconstruction.There was no significant difference in general satisfaction across three reconstruction approaches,though patients with autologous reconstruction reported the highest aesthetic satisfaction among the three groups(P=0.044).Conclusions:Implant-based breast reconstruction remains the dominant choice among patients,while autologous reconstruction was associated with higher aesthetic satisfaction.Our multi-center investigation based on the findings of the tertiary hospitals of Chinese Society of Breast Surgery may guide a future series of clinical studies on breast reconstruction in China.

Breast-conserving therapy and modified radical mastectomy for primary breast carcinoma:a matched comparative study

Background- To compare two types of therapy for primary breast carcinoma, breast-conserving therapy （BCT） and modified radical mastectomy （MRM）, in a matched cohort study. Methods： A series of 1,746 patients with primary breast cancer treated with BCT or MRM in a single Chinese institute between January 2000 and February 2009 were analyzed retrospectively to compare their outcomes with respect to the incidence of local recurrence （LR）, distant metastasis, and survival. The patients were matched with regard to age at diagnosis, spreading to axillary lymph nodes, hormone receptor status, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and maximal tumor diameter. The match ratio was 1：1, and each arm included 873 patients. Results： The median follow-up period was 71 months. The 6-year disease-free survival （DFS） and 6-year distant disease-free survival （DDFS） rates differed significantly between two groups. The 6-year local recurrence-free survival （LRFS） rates were 98.2% [95% confidence interval （CI）： 0.973-0.989] in the BCT group and 98.7% （95% CI： 0.980-0.994） in the MRM group （P=0.182）, respectively. DFS rates in BCT and MRM groups were 91.3% （95% CI： 0.894-0.932） and 86.3% （95% CI： 0.840-0.886） （P〈0.001）, respectively, whereas the DDFS rates in BCT and MRM groups were 93.6% （95% CI： 0.922-0.950） and 87.7% （95% CI： 0.854-0.900） （P〈0.001）, respectively. Conclusions： BCT in eligible patients is as effective as MRM with respect to local tumor control, DFS and DDFS, and may result in a better outcome than MRM in Chinese primary breast cancer patients.

Axillary “Exclusion”—A Successful Technique for Reducing Seroma Formation after Mastectomy and Axillary Dissection

Introduction: A seroma is the commonest complication of breast cancer surgery, and although its consequences most often cause no more than discomfort and anxiety, more important sequelae include flap necrosis and wound breakdown. Infection developing within seroma increases morbidity and often results in the need for re-admission, re-imaging, drainage and antibiotic usage. Numerous methods to reduce post-mastectomy seroma formation have been tried with no consistent success. Methods: 24 consecutive patients undergoing mastectomy and axillary clearance were recruited before and after a departmental change in practice. At the point of skin closure, patients either underwent “axillary exclusion” or not. Total drain outputs were recorded by community district nursing staff for all patients. At the first post-operative visit, the presence and severity of seroma was recorded. Results: 24 patients were included (study group 14, control group 10). Age, size of tumour, and number of positive lymph nodes and laterality were comparable between groups. Mean drain output for the entire group was 471 ml (3 - 1030 ml) over 5.21 days. The control group had a drain output of 763.5 ml (95%CI 674.2 - 852.8) while the study group had a mean drainage of 262.2 ml (95%CI 161.9 - 362.5), a reduction of over 65%, p < 0.001. 15 (62.5%) out of 24 patients developed seroma. 42.9% of the study group and 90% of the control group developed seroma, p < 0.01. Conclusion: Seromas are a common complication following mastectomy and axillary clearance. Our technique of axillary exclusion has resulted in significantly reduced drainage volumes and fewer seromas.

Hypereosinophilia, mastectomy, and nephrotic syndrome in a male patient: A case report

BACKGROUND Hypereosinophilia(HE)is a heterogeneous disease of unknown etiology in which tissue and organ injury is inflicted by excess numbers of circulating or infiltrating eosinophils.Herein,we describe a patient with rare organ damage due to HE and review the pertinent literature.CASE SUMMARY A 43 year-old Chinese man with a 13-year history of eosinophilia and shortness of breath for 7 d presented to our hospital.During the course of his illness,the patient variably presented with gastrointestinal symptoms,eczema,vitiligo,mastitis,joint symptoms,nephrotic syndrome,and interstitial pneumonia.The chronic mastitis proved burdensome,necessitating bilateral mastectomy.HE was diagnosed by repeat bone marrow biopsy,and a kidney biopsy showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.Intermittent steroidal therapy is typically initiated to relieve such symptoms,although relapse and organ involvement often ensue once treatment is withdrawn.We administered methylprednisolone sodium succinate(40 mg/d)intravenously for 3 d,followed by oral tablets at the same dose.Subsequent computed tomography(CT)of the chest CT showed relative improvement of the interstitial pneumonia.The patient is currently on a continuous regimen of oral steroid,and his condition is stable.CONCLUSION HE is heterogeneous condition.This is the first reported case of bilateral mastectomy in a male patient with longstanding HE.

Electromyographic study of shoulder and acromioclavicular joint muscles in women who underwent unilateral breast surgery of the types mastectomy and quadrantectomy

We studied 20 women with mean age 57.7 years, being 9 with unilateral quadrantectomy surgery, 1 with surgery type bilateral quadrantectomy and 10 with unilateral mastectomy surgery. The average operative time was 9.8 (nine years and eight months). We studied using surface electromyography the mean deltoid, upper trape-zius and latissimus dorsi muscles in order to check the action potentials of these muscles when performing a sequence of movements of these joints. It was used for the study, an Acquisition Data System ADS1000 containing 12 channels. The electromyography (EMG) results expressed in RMS (Root Mean Square) were analyzed and compared between the surgical and nonsurgical side, among the three repetitions of the sequence of movements and between mastectomy and quadrantectomy for each muscle. For statistical analysis we used analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a double repetition factor

Fifty-Year-Follow-up Results Compared with Shorter Follow-up of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Mastectomy with or without Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Background: To evaluate the effect of follow-up length on the outcome of breast cancer patients, we compared the 50- and 25-year follow-up results in terms of cure rate, overall mortality and mortalities from breast cancer, second cancer, and benign diseases. Methods: 763 patients treated for breast cancer between February 1953 and September 1976, were followed up until December 2014. They were divided into two cohorts;earlier cohort exclusively underwent radical mastectomy plus adjuvant radiotherapy, while later cohort had radical mastectomy alone. Assuming that in all patients follow-up was terminated at 50 or 25 years after diagnosis, likelihood ratio test and stratified Log-rank tests were performed to evaluate the differences in cure rate and overall survival between the two cohorts. Results: During the 50 years, radical mastectomy alone compared with radical mastectomy plus adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with a significantly higher cure rate, and higher survivals regardless of whether the death was from breast cancer, second cancer, benign causes or any causes. However, if follow-up information is limited to 25 years, the advantage of radical mastectomy alone is partly offset and the survival difference between the two cohorts becomes less significant. Conclusion: Radiotherapy to breast cancer may adversely affect not only mortality from breast cancer, but mortalities unrelated to breast cancer. Since such deaths occur later, they may fail to be detected unless follow-up is long enough. Thus, deleterious effects of radiotherapy may be underestimated. Exceedingly long follow-up is required to accurately estimate the cure rate and the long-term effect of radiotherapy.

Skin Sparing Mastectomy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A Possibility?

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women in India in spite of advances in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) still represents the major presenting picture in many urban and rural institutions in our country. Skin Sparing Mastectomy (SSM) and primary reconstruction is a popular option for patients with breast cancer. There are similar local and distant recurrences in SSM compared to the traditional non-skin sparing mastectomy. A 57-year-old lady presented with a locally advanced left breast cancer. After undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a PET-CT to accurately detect residual disease in breast and axilla, she underwent skin sparing mastectomy with nipple-areola complex preservation and primary reconstruction with silicon prosthesis implant over a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for primary reconstruction. SSM in LABC has not been reported in the literature so far. This patient is disease free for the past 24 months.

Early and Late Postoperative Pain and Side Effects after Mastectomy: A Comparison of Ketamine and Thiamylal Administered for Anesthetic Induction

Objective: To compare acute and long-term postoperative pain and side effects in patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia induced with ketamine or thiamylal. Methods: Twenty four ASA physical status I-III patients undergoing mastectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Ketamine group received intravenous ketamine, 1 mg/kg, and thiamylal group received intravenous thiamylal, 4 mg/kg, at the induction of general anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane, N2O and fentanyl. The intensity of pain was assessed by using visual analog scale (VAS) 3 and 16 hr and 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery. Postoperative side effects, including nausea, vomiting and hallucination were also recorded. Results: At 16 hr after surgery, VAS in ketamine group was significantly lower than that in thiamylal group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the VAS at 3 hr and 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery. There were no differences in the incidence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting and hallucination between the two groups. Conclusion: Intravenous ketamine at the induction of anesthesia could reduce acute postoperative pain but not long-term pain after mastectomy.

Nipple-Areola Sparing Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Breast Reconstruction in 126 Patients

This study is to explore the indications, procedures, effectiveness, and feasibility of nipple-areola sparing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction. The nipple-areola sparing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction was performed in 126 patients with breast cancer from June 2005 to October 2011. The cosmetic outcomes of the reconstructed breasts were evaluated according to objective and subjective criteria. Meanwhile, the postoperative complications were observed and the therapeutic efficacies were followed up. All the operations were successful. Six patients experienced mild complications early after surgery and were resolved after symptomatic treatment. Both the subjective and objective evaluation for the aesthetic outcomes yielded a satisfactory rate of 97.62% during the 6-80-month follow-up. No recurrence or metastasis was found in 118 cases. Nipple-areola sparing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction is a simple and effective option for significantly improving the cosmetic outcomes and quality of life of patients, without serious complications or impact on the comprehensive treatment and long-term effect against breast cancer.

Effect of epidural block combined intravenous general anesthesia stress on the stress response and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with breast cancer undergoing radical mastectomy

Objective: To investigate the effect of epidural block combined with intravenous anesthesia on stress response and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with breast cancer undergoing radical mastectomy. Methods: In our hospital from July 2016 to June 2017 undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer of 88 patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group of 44 cases, 2 patients underwent routine preoperative preparation, and routine blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, oxygen saturation, ECG monitoring, control group with intravenous anesthesia. The observation group was treated with epidural block combined with intravenous anesthesia. 2 groups of patients before anesthesia, 30 MIM (T0), 1 h after skin incision (T1), 4 h after operation (T2), 24 h after operation (T3), 48 h after operation (T4) from peripheral venous blood were measured by interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), cortisol (Cor), prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+), the calculation of CD4+/CD8+ value. Results: the serum IL-8 level of T1, T2, T3and T4 decreased gradually, were lower than at T0, and the control group at each time point had no significant difference, T1, T2, T3group, T4IL-8 levels lower than the control group;the 2 groups of serum IFN-γ levels T1 and T2had no significant change, T3and T4increased gradually, was higher than that of T0, but no significant difference between the 2 groups of IFN-γ levels. 2 serum Cor levels peaked at T1, decreased at T2, was higher than that of T0, T3, T4returned to T0, the observation group T1, T2Cor level lower than the control group;the serum PRL levels of 2 groups reached a peak at T1, T2, T3at the time of T4decreased gradually, was higher than that of T0, T1, T2, T3of the observation group at the PRL level is lower than the control group;the serum level of GH 2 in group T1increased gradually, reached a peak at T2, T3and T4 decreased gradually, was higher than that of T0, the observation group T1, T2, T3, T4, GH levels lower than the control group. 2 groups of CD3+ decreased gradually in T1, T2, were lower than T0, T3, T4returned to T0, the observation group T1, T2CD3+ was higher than the control group;group CD4+ decreased gradually in T1, T2, T3and T4were lower than control, T0when, and the observation group CD4+ in T1, T2, T3, T4, no significant changes were observed in group T1, T2, T3, T4and CD4+ higher than that of the control group;the 2 group CD8+ had no obvious changes in T1, T2, T3, T4;observation group CD4+/CD8+ decreased gradually in T1, T2, were lower than T0, T3, T4returned to T0, the observation group T1, T2CD4+/CD8+ was higher than the control group. Conclusion: epidural block combined with intravenous anesthesia for breast cancer radical mastectomy can effectively relieve the stress and inflammatory reaction, alleviate the immunosuppression, and help to restore the postoperative immune function.

Evolving role of skin sparing mastectomy

Skin sparing mastectomy(SSM) can facilitate immediate breast reconstruction and is associated with an excellent aesthetic result. The procedure is safe in selected cases; including invasive tumours < 5 cm, multi-centric tumours, ductal carcinoma in situ and for risk-reduction surgery. Inflammatory breast cancers and tumours with extensive involvement of the skin represent contraindications to SSM due to an unacceptable risk of local recurrence. Prior breast irradiation or the need for post-mastectomy radiotherapy do not preclude SSM, however the aesthetic outcome may be compromised. Preservation of the nipple areola complex is safe for peripherally located node negative tumours. An intraoperative frozen section protocol for the retro-areolar tissue should be considered in these cases. The advent of acellular tissue matrix systems has enhanced the scope of implant-based immediate reconstruction following SSM. Cell-assisted fat transfer is emerging as a promising technique to optimise the aesthetic outcome.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy rate stable at major Canadian breast cancer center

AIM: To examine trends of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy(CPM) rates at a Canadian academic breast cancer center.METHODS: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was completed. Women of any age who underwent at least a unilateral mastectomy(UM) for primary unilateral breast carcinoma between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010 were included. Patients who underwent CPM on the same day as UM were isolated to create two distinct cohorts. Patient and procedure characteristics were compared across groups using R software(version 3.1.0). The percentage of CPMs per year was determined. The Cochrane-Armitage test was used to assess the trend of CPMs over time. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: A total of 811 women met the inclusions/exclusion criteria; 759(93.6%) underwent UM alone and 52(6.4%) underwent UM with immediate CPM. The absolute number of procedures(UM and UM + CPM) increased over time, from 83 in 2004 to 147 in 2010 reflecting an increase in mastectomy volume. Annual CPM rates did not increase over time(P = 0.7) and varied between 2.6% to 10.7%. Family history of breast cancer [OR 3.6(1.8-7.3)] and immediate reconstruction [10.0(5.2-19.3)] were both significantly associated with CPM. Women who underwent CPM were younger(median age CPM 49 years vs UM 52 years, P < 0.0001) but age less than 50 years was not statistically associated with increased rates of CPM. CONCLUSION: CPM rates from 2004 to 2010 at a high-volume Canadian breast cancer center did not increase over time, in contrast to trends observed in the United States.

Mastectomy—A Critical Review

History of breast cancer dates back to at least 1600 B.C. and treatment methods have undergone significant progress over the last hundred years. We are moving away from frighteningly radical, and towards increasingly more conservational breast cancer surgery. And while mastectomy is no longer a first-line choice for all breast cancers, it is still an important and, really, an essential procedure to discuss and research about. Different types and techniques exist and evidence regarding each is vast-with novel techniques appearing even nowadays. For example, robotic surgery is increasingly more common in many surgical specialties and procedures, and mastectomy is no exception. With several high-profile celebrities recently discussing their experiences of breast cancer and mastectomies, this article covers a multitude of essential aspects relevant to this topic, in turn, hopefully, helping patients and doctors deal with the diagnosis and plan the treatment accordingly. Current breast cancer care and mastectomy trends are also discussed here, giving the readers an up-to-date overview of how breast cancer can and should be managed.

Combined thoracic paravertebral block and interscalene brachial plexus block for modified radical mastectomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Modified radical mastectomy(MRM)is the most common surgical treatment for breast cancer.General anesthesia poses a challenge in fragile MRM patients,including cardiovascular instability,insufficient postoperative pain control,nausea and vomiting.Thoracic paravertebral block(TPVB)is adequate for simple mastectomy,but its combination with interscalene brachial plexus block(IBPB)has not yet been proved to be an effective anesthesia method for MRM.CASE SUMMARY We describe our experience of anesthesia and pain management in 10 patients with multiple comorbidities.An ultrasound-guided TPVB was placed at T2-T3 and T5-T6,and combined with IBPB,with administration of 10,15 and 5 mL of 0.5%ropivacaine,respectively.A satisfactory anesthetic effect was proved by the absence of ipsilateral tactile sensation within 30 min.Propofol 3 mg/kg/h and oxygen supplementation via a nasal cannula were administered during surgery.None of the patients required additional narcotics,vasopressors,or conversion to general anesthesia.The maximum pain score was 2 on an 11-point numerical rating scale.Two patients required one dose of celecoxib 8 h postoperatively and none reported nausea or emesis.CONCLUSION This case series demonstrated that combined two-site TPVB and small-volume IBPB with sedation can be used as an alternative anesthetic modality for MRM,providing good postoperative analgesia.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Mastectomy and Breast Flap Reconstructive Surgery: A Three Case Series

Uncontrolled pain after breast surgery can have early to chronic repercussions. The repertoire of pre-emptive opioid-sparing analgesic options includes regional blocks such as paravertebral blocks to myofascial blocks and more recently the Erector Spinae (ESP) block. Case 1 demonstrates the ESP block as an easy and conveniently performed post-operative rescue block for a patient who still experienced uncontrolled pain despite a combination of myofascial blocks and systemic analgesics. Case 2 and 3 demonstrate the advantage of providing an extensive coverage of surgical field in breast reconstruction surgery covering variable donor sites. It was due to the extent of coverage, that allowed the placement of ESP block catheter distantly without interrupting the surgical site. Post operative prolongation of pain relief was also successful by titrating analgesia via intermittent boluses. In our case series, the ESP block consistently and safely provided satisfactory pain relief for breast reconstruction surgery. It can be a viable option for peri-operative analgesia compared to other more invasive or less extensive alternatives.

A Double-Blinded Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Glubran-2 in Reducing Seroma Formation after a Mastectomy with or without Axillary Dissection

Background and Purpose: Seroma formation is a common complication following a mastectomy and axillary surgery. Decreasing the dead space is believed to decrease seroma formation. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence of seroma formation with the use of Glubran-2 versus normal saline during the wound closure in participants undergoing mastectomy with or without axillary dissection. Methods: This multicentre, prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial, enrolled women 18 years of age or older with breast cancer, who were underwent total or partial mastectomy, with or without axillary dissection. Participants were randomised to Glubran-2 or Saline arm. The primary outcome was the volume and duration of wound seroma. Secondary outcome was post-operative wound infection. Results: A total of 76 women were randomised and there was no loss to follow-up or mortality. The total seroma volume was higher in the Glubran-2 arm. The duration of seroma was higher in the mastectomy and axillary dissection group in the Glubran-2 arm (P = 0.69). Elderly and participants with higher BMI had a higher volume of seroma. Post-operative infection rate was higher in the Glubran-2 arm (13.2% vs. 5.6%;P = 0.26). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Our study did not show any benefit with the use of Glubran-2 in mastectomy and axillary surgery in reducing the risk of seroma formation. In elderly and obese participants the use of Glubran-2 showed an increase in seroma formation and post-operative wound infection.