Enliven: Journal of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine

Pectoralis Minor Nerve Block versus Thoracic Epidural and Paravertebral Block in Perioperative Pain Control of Breast Surgery - Mini Review
Author(s): Rafik Sedra

Pectoralis minor blocks are still relatively new and require further evaluation, but may have a place in peri-operative pain management for the appropriate cases. Still considered as less invasive procedure in comparison to thoracic epidurals and para-vertebral blocks. Complications of thoracic epidural and para-vertebral blocks like spinal cord injury and pneumothorax makes many anaesthetists interested in practising pectoralis minor block guided by ultrasound. Blanco first introduced the pectoralis minor block in 2011, he did study on 50 patients within 2 years. Results were very promising, all patients did not need any opiates but only paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs got used.