Thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia and erector spinae plane block useful alternative anesthetic methods for breast procedures: Study

Recently published research paper focuses on the management of gynecomastia in males, particularly the case of a 24-year-old male with long-standing left breast gynecomastia who underwent surgery. The paper discusses the pathophysiology of gynecomastia, its prevalence, and treatment, emphasizing that surgical resection of the breast tissue is a common approach.

Novel Anesthetic Methods for Breast Procedures

The paper also presents the utilization of thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia and erector spinae plane block as alternative anesthetic methods for breast procedures, highlighting their benefits such as regulation of the neuroendocrine stress response, lower need for analgesics post-surgery, and decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting. The authors suggest that these methods offer a compelling substitute for general anesthesia, with potential for expanded application in varied surgical scenarios through additional research and clinical experience.

Successful Application of Novel Anesthetic Techniques

The case presentation details the successful application of these novel anesthetic techniques in the 24-year-old male patient with left breast enlargement. The patient underwent thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia and erector spinae plane block, with stable vital signs and minimal intraoperative anesthetic requirements. Postoperatively, the patient experienced minimal pain and a speedy recovery.

Beneficial Anesthetic Strategy for Breast Procedures

The authors recommend the combination of erector spinae block with thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia as a feasible and beneficial anesthetic strategy for breast procedures, asserting its advantages over general anesthesia. They highlight the methods' potential for improved intra-operative hemodynamic stability, increased patient compliance, and efficient postoperative pain control, particularly for patients undergoing breast surgery.

Overall, the paper underscores the efficacy and safety of these anesthetic techniques, positioning them as valuable alternatives to conventional general anesthesia in breast procedures, and advocates for further research and clinical practice to explore their potential benefits in a broader range of surgical scenarios.

Reference -

Paul A, Borkar A (October 23, 2023) Anaesthetic Management for Mastectomy in a Male With Unilateral Gynecomastia: The Utilization of Thoracic Segmental Spinal Anaesthesia and Erector Spinae Plane Block. Cureus 15(10): e47502. doi:10.7759/cureus.47502.