Evaluation of the effects of the local anesthetics on immunity during mastectomy

Background & objective: Surgery and some anesthetic techniques can contribute to tumor cells dissemination. It is known that the use of local anesthetics and regional blocks during mastectomy preserved the immune function. We evaluated and compared, the levels of some cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα, IL2, IL12) responsible for immune function, as well as the level of leukocytes before and after breast carcinoma surgery; and to find out and compare the effects of local anesthetics on blood pressure (BP) and on postoperative complications, e.g., pain, vomiting, headache, the need for analgesia and surgical complications. Methodology: In this randomized prospective study, 45 patients were allocated in 3 equal groups: Group GA (n = 15) for standard general anesthesia; Group LA (n = 15) for general anesthesia and infusion of lidocaine; Group PECS (n = 15) for pectoralis I/II block with bupivacaine and general anesthesia. Blood samples were taken to ascertain cytokines and leukocytes levels before surgery and 24 h after surgery. Results: Lidocaine caused fall of BP (P = 0.002t), but bupivacaine (PECS I/II block) produced stable BP during mastectomy (P = 0.1). A significant increase of leucocytes after surgery was seen in Group PECS compared to Group GA (P = 0.033). In 24-h intervals after surgery, lidocaine and bupivacaine produced an increase of TNFα (P < 0.05). Bupivacaine showed a significantly low intensity of postoperative pain compared to other techniques and zero postoperative complications. Conclusion: Local anesthetics lidocaine and bupivacaine enhance the immune response and produce more stable hemodynamics compared to general anesthesia alone during mastectomy in patients with breast carcinoma. Abbreviations: CTL- Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes; IFNγ- Interferon Gamma; TNFα- Tumour Necrosis Factor α, IL2- Interleukin-2; NKCs- Natural Killer Cells; Th1- Type 1 T Helper Cells; VAS- Visual Analog Scale Keywords: Breast Carcinoma; Lidocaine; Bupivacaine; PECS I/II block; Cytokines Citation: Angjushev DL, Sholjakova MV, Kartalov A, Kuzmanovska B, Kishman A, Demjanski V, Srceva MJ, Kokareva A, Angjushev MK. Evaluation of the effects of the local anesthetics on immunity during mastectomy. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):108−114; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2383 Received: November 14, 2023; Reviewed: November 17, 2023; Accepted: December 09, 2023