PECS-II vs ESP in Nociception Level Index Guided Breast Surgery

Background:

Breast surgery is often associated with significant perioperative pain. While systemic opioids are commonly used, their side effects (nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, delayed recovery) have encouraged the adoption of regional anesthesia techniques for better analgesia and reduced opioid requirements. PECS-II and Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) blocks are two effective regional techniques frequently utilized in breast surgery. However, comparative data on their impact on intraoperative opioid consumption under nociception-guided anesthesia remains limited.

The Nociception Level Index (NOL) is an objective monitoring tool that integrates multiple physiological signals (e.g., heart rate variability, skin conductance, pulse amplitude) to assess nociceptive responses in real-time. When used intraoperatively, it enables more precise opioid titration, potentially optimizing analgesia while minimizing opioid exposure.

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of PECS-II and ESP blocks in reducing intraoperative remifentanil consumption during breast surgery under general anesthesia guided by NOL monitoring.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Koç University Hospital following ethical approval. Ninety female patients aged 18-80 years, classified as ASA I-III and scheduled for elective mastectomy or other breast surgeries, were randomly assigned into three groups (n=30 each):

Group 1 (PECS-II Block) Group 2 (ESP Block) Group 3 (Control - no block) Regional blocks were performed before surgery with ultrasound guidance. PECS-II block was administered at the 3rd to 5th rib levels in the mid-axillary line using 30 mL of 0.3% bupivacaine. ESP block was applied at T2-T5 levels with a total of 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine.

All patients received standardized general anesthesia, including propofol, fentanyl, rocuronium, and desflurane maintenance. Remifentanil infusion (0.05-0.1 μg/kg/min) was titrated based on NOL values every 5 minutes: increased by 0.03 μg/kg/min if NOL \>25, and decreased by 0.03 μg/kg/min if NOL \<10.

Data collected included:

Total intraoperative remifentanil consumption (primary outcome) NOL scores every 5 minutes Postoperative pain scores (NRS) at 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours (at rest and with arm abduction) Total opioid consumption (morphine, tramadol) in the first 24 hours Opioid-related side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus) Length of hospital stay Blinding was applied to data collectors (pain nurses and anesthesia technicians), but due to the nature of the procedures, surgeons and anesthesiologists were not blinded.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Continuous variables were tested for normality (Shapiro-Wilk), and analyzed with t-tests or Mann-Whitney U as appropriate. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square tests. Significance was set at p\<0.05.

Expected Outcomes and Contribution:

It is hypothesized that both PECS-II and ESP blocks will significantly reduce intraoperative remifentanil consumption compared to the control group. Furthermore, these blocks may improve postoperative pain control, reduce opioid-related side effects, and shorten recovery time.

This study aims to clarify the relative efficacy of two widely used regional blocks in the context of objective, nociception-guided anesthesia. The findings are expected to support evidence-based use of regional techniques in breast surgery and contribute to the growing body of literature emphasizing opioid-sparing strategies in perioperative care.