Title: Ultrasound guided Pectoral nerves block (PEC) I, II and Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block as primary anaesthetic for Video- Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
Authors: Bhardwaj Shaman, Malhotra Aaina, Devgan Sumeet, Sood Dinesh, Garg Kamakshi
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.54
Abstract
Introduction: Nearly all thoracic procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. In this report, we present successful application of Pectoral nerves (PEC I and II) and Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as an alternative to general anaesthesia.
Case Report: A 67 year old male was scheduled to undergo VATS for drainage of pleural effusion and biopsy. He had other comorbidities including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Due to patient's and family's wish to avoid general anaesthesia, monitored anaesthesia care with PEC I, II and serratus anterior block was scheduled. The procedure lasted for an hour .Postoperatively, the patient remained pain free for 24 hours. At discharge from the recovery his visual analogue pain score was 0 out of 10 and no analgesic had to be administered to him post – operatively.
Conclusion: PEC block I & II, and serratus anterior block is an effective, easy to administer, low risk technique for patients posted for VATS and ensures effective peri-operative analgesia.
Keywords: Video- Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS),regional anaesthesia, Pectoral nerves block (PEC I & II).
