Combined thoracic paravertebral block and pectoralis nerve I and II block as a sole technique for awake breast surgery - A case report.

Abstract

Background: Regional anesthetic techniques are becoming increasingly more common for a variety of surgeries. Current literature regarding regional anesthesia for breast surgery also involves sedation or general anesthesia (GA).

Case: A 53 year old female underwent wide local excision breast surgery and sentinel node biopsy under combined thoracic paravertebral block and pectoralis nerve I and II block without concurrent sedation or GA.

Conclusions: This case report demonstrates patient acceptability for completely awake breast surgery with good surgical conditions. This technique could be used for high risk or motivated patients where a GA and its associated complications could be avoided.