Case report: Modified radical mastectomy with epidural and block.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Case report of modified radical mastectomy surgery under thoracic epidural anaesthesia plus interscalene block
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Dr. Prashant Shahadeo Dhakne, Dr. Rajesh D. Subhedar and Dr. Rupali Patil
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Case report of modified radical mastectomy surgery under thoracic epidural anaesthesia plus interscalene block
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20237-27905
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Breast cancer is a prevalent condition among Indian women, with increasing incidence rates as age advances. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) remains a primary surgical intervention for this disease. Typically, MRM is performed under general anesthesia (GA); however, GA poses risks for patients with multiple comorbidities or difficult airways. This case report outlines the successful use of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) combined with an interscalene block in a 72-year-old female patient with advanced breast cancer, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of this alternative.
Advantages of Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia
One major benefit of utilizing TEA is its ability to mitigate the stress response associated with surgery while avoiding airway management challenges. This approach also offers significant advantages such as hemodynamic stability, reduced analgesic consumption, and enhanced postoperative pain control. In the case reported, TEA was able to effectively manage pain and decrease the need for supplementary opioid medications during the recovery phase, which substantially improved the patient's postoperative experience and allowed for a shorter hospital stay.
Effective Pain Management with Interscalene Block
The addition of an interscalene block provided targeted analgesia for the axillary dissection component of the MRM. This strategy is particularly advantageous as it can enhance pain management while minimizing opioid requirements, especially beneficial for patients who may have compromised respiratory functions or a higher risk for postoperative respiratory complications. The simultaneous administration of TEA and interscalene block was found to improve overall pain control and patient comfort throughout the operative and postoperative periods.
Safety Considerations and Alternatives
Despite the various advantages, the use of TEA supplemented by interscalene block for oncological surgeries has been historically limited due to the potential risks associated with regional anesthesia techniques, including spinal cord injury and respiratory complications. However, with proper techniques and experience, these risks are notably rare. Other alternatives such as paravertebral blocks and cervical epidurals have been considered, but they carry certain drawbacks, particularly in patients with pulmonary or cardiovascular vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Overall, the combination of thoracic epidural anesthesia and interscalene block presents a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy, particularly those with high-risk factors like difficult airways and comorbidities. This approach not only enhances postoperative outcomes but also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays and complications. Future large-scale, randomized trials are advocated to further substantiate these findings and promote the routine use of this anesthesia technique in similar high-risk surgical populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main surgical approach for breast cancer treatment?
The primary approach for treating breast cancer is surgery, commonly modified radical mastectomy (MRM), which typically requires general anaesthesia. However, alternatives are considered in patients with specific health challenges.
Why is general anaesthesia not always a suitable choice?
General anaesthesia may be unsuitable for patients with multiple comorbidities or difficult airways. Alternatives, such as thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA), are safer and reduce complications in these high-risk patients.
What are the benefits of using TEA for surgery?
TEA provides several benefits including hemodynamic stability, lower analgesic consumption, superior postoperative analgesia, reduced nausea and vomiting, earlier feeding, and shorter hospital stays, especially in patients with compromised respiratory function.
What additional technique was used in this case report?
In this case report, thoracic epidural anaesthesia was supplemented with a right-sided interscalene block to enhance pain management and surgical conditions during the modified radical mastectomy.
What were the main findings from this anaesthesia approach?
The combination of TEA and interscalene block proved to be a feasible and safe alternative to general anaesthesia. The patient experienced adequate pain relief and had no complications during or after the surgery.
What do the authors recommend for high-risk patients undergoing surgery?
The authors recommend the use of thoracic epidural anaesthesia plus interscalene block for major breast surgeries in high-risk patients, while noting that further large randomized controlled trials are needed to support these findings.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Case report: Modified radical mastectomy with epidural and block.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. In this context, breast cancer is highlighted as a prevalent form among Indian females, necessitating surgical intervention such as modified radical mastectomy. Its treatment typically requires careful consideration of anesthesia methods, especially in patients with comorbid conditions.
2) Pur:
Poor refers to the insufficient health status or overall well-being of a patient, indicating reduced physical capability and effort tolerance. In the case report, the patient exhibited poor effort tolerance, affecting her ability to undergo general anesthesia safely. This emphasizes the need for alternative anesthesia strategies in high-risk populations.
3) Post:
Post refers to the period after surgery. Effective postoperative management is critical in surgical cases, particularly in pain management and recovery. In the report, postoperative care included careful monitoring and administration of local anesthetics to manage pain, underscoring the importance of tailored postoperative strategies for better outcomes.
4) Blood:
Blood plays a vital role in maintaining bodily functions and delivering oxygen to tissues. In the context of surgical procedures, monitoring blood loss and ensuring adequate blood volume is essential. The report notes an estimated blood loss during the mastectomy, which is crucial for assessing patient stability and planning postoperative care.
5) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common postoperative complication that can significantly hinder recovery. In the case report, the use of thoracic epidural anesthesia was highlighted for its potential to reduce nausea and vomiting, enhancing the overall recovery experience for patients and minimizing their discomfort during the postoperative period.
6) Nausea:
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation often associated with the urge to vomit. Postoperative nausea is a significant concern, as it affects patient comfort and recovery. The study emphasizes the benefits of thoracic epidural anesthesia in reducing postoperative nausea, thereby improving patient outcomes and satisfaction post-surgery.
7) Dhule:
Dhule is a city in Maharashtra, India, where the surgical case was conducted. The reference to Dhule highlights the regional context of the study, as local healthcare practices and available medical resources may influence anesthesia choices and patient care strategies in areas with specific demographic health challenges.
8) Depression:
Depression refers to a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. The context implies that anxiety and mental health considerations are crucial for surgical patients. Understanding psychological aspects can affect overall treatment strategies and patient recovery, highlighting the need for holistic care in surgical cases.
9) Pain:
Pain management is a critical aspect of surgical care, impacting patient comfort and recovery. The study emphasizes the significance of utilizing thoracic epidural and interscalene blocks for effective postoperative analgesia, thereby reducing the reliance on systemic opioids and addressing pain more effectively in the patient population.
10) Discussion:
Discussion in a medical context typically refers to deliberations surrounding findings, observations, and implications from case studies or research. The discussion section of the report elaborates on the benefits and challenges of using modified anesthesia techniques, highlighting the need for ongoing investigation into best practices for high-risk surgical patients.
11) Dressing:
Dressing denotes the techniques or materials used to cover and protect a surgical wound. The report mentions dressing in the context of ensuring the thoracic epidural catheter is securely fixed post-procedure, indicating attention to proper surgical care and minimizing the risk of complications during patient recovery.
12) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that disrupts normal bodily functions, like breast cancer in this case. Recognizing disease states is paramount for planning treatment, surgical intervention, and anesthesia. This underscores the need for precise diagnosis and understanding of comorbidities, informing anesthesia choices and management strategies.
13) Anxiety:
Anxiety, a common psychological condition characterized by excessive worry, can significantly impact surgical outcomes. The case study addresses anxiety management through sedation during the procedure, illustrating the multifaceted approach to care that includes psychological support in conjunction with physical treatments for better overall patient experiences.
14) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. In the context of surgical patients, monitoring for edema can signal possible complications or affect recovery times. The case report noted local edema, suggesting a need for continued assessment of the patient's condition post-surgery.
15) Indian:
Indian refers to the nationality or cultural identity of the population discussed in the study. The report highlights the high incidence rates of breast cancer among Indian females, emphasizing cultural and regional health challenges that influence disease prevalence and require tailored treatment approaches to address specific community health needs.
16) India:
India refers to the country where the case study and subsequent research are situated. In discussing healthcare practices, recognizing the national context is vital, as local medical advancements, resource availability, and demographic factors can substantially influence treatment methodologies and patient outcomes in surgical procedures.
17) Patil:
Patil is part of the names of the authors, contributing to the research. In academic or clinical reports, listing contributors' names is crucial for attributing ideas and findings. It positions the work within the larger framework of medical literature while emphasizing collaborative efforts in advancing surgical and anesthetic practices.
18) Study (Studying):
Study pertains to a systematic examination of a subject, in this case, the use of anesthesia methods in breast cancer surgeries. The research contributes to existing literature by providing insights into practical applications and outcomes, advocating for more such studies to refine treatment protocols based on empirical evidence.
19) Drug:
Drug refers to any therapeutic agent used in the study, particularly focusing on anesthetic and pain relief medications. This emphasizes the necessity of selecting appropriate drugs to enhance the efficacy of anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and minimizing complications during surgical interventions.
20) Fear:
Fear refers to an emotional response often encountered in patients facing surgery, notably due to potential risks associated with anesthesia. The case report illustrates how fear may hinder surgical options for patients with complex medical histories, thereby necessitating alternative methods that mitigate risks while ensuring safety and comfort.
21) Line:
Line in this context may refer to intravenous lines used for administering medications during the surgical process. Establishing a secure line is essential for delivering anesthetics and fluids reliably, reflecting proper management in surgical settings to ensure patient stability and effectiveness of the planned anesthetic and procedural interventions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Case report: Modified radical mastectomy with epidural and block.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Anatomical structure, Patient consent, Randomised control trial, General anaesthesia, Hemodynamic Stability, Analgesic consumption, Pulmonary complications, Modified radical mastectomy, Blood and blood products, Epidural catheter.