Thoracic interfacial plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for anesthesia in gynecomastia surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Gynecomastia is a benign proliferative condition affecting the glandular tissue of the male breast. This study compared the efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracic interfacial plane block (TIPB) with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in providing anesthesia for gynecomastia surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized open label clinical trial included 90 patients scheduled for elective surgery for idiopathic gynecomastia. Patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups: group C (control group) received bilateral tumescent local anesthesia, group TPVB received bilateral ultrasound guided TPVB, and group TIPB received bilateral ultrasound guided TIPB. We evaluated postoperative analgesic requirements, pain score, and patient’s satisfaction. Results: Intraoperative fentanyl requirement and total diclofenac in the first 24 hours postoperative were significantly lower in both TPVB and TIPB groups compared to control group (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patient satisfaction was significantly better (P = 0.004) in both TPVB and TIPB groups when compared to control group. In postoperative evaluation, we found both TPVB and TIPB produced significantly lower pain score compared to control group in 2-hours (P < 0.001) and 4-hours (P = 0.001) after the surgery. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were comparable in all groups, as well as the occurrence of complications. Conclusion: Either TIPB and TPVB may provide effective analgesic property for anesthesia in gynecomastia surgery. This is shown by lower intraoperative analgesic requirements, lower postoperative pain score, and better patient’s satisfaction.