Combined Superficial and Deep Serratus Plane Block With Bupivacaine, Dexamethasone, and Clonidine in the Treatment of a Patient With Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2018 Nov 1;11(9):236-237. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000792.

Abstract

Postmastectomy pain syndrome poses a significant treatment challenge. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented to our pain clinic with a 16-month history of postmastectomy pain. We performed a combined superficial and deep serratus plane block using bupivacaine, dexamethasone, and clonidine. At 1-month follow-up, the patient had 100% pain relief. At 2-month follow-up, her pain was 5/10. The block was repeated with the same drugs at 3 months with similar pain relief. This case illustrates the utility of a combined superficial and deep serratus plane block in postmastectomy pain syndrome with a possible benefit from added dexamethasone and clonidine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics*
  • Anesthetics*
  • Bupivacaine*
  • Chronic Pain / drug therapy*
  • Clonidine*
  • Dexamethasone*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Nerve Block*
  • Pain Management
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anesthetics
  • Dexamethasone
  • Clonidine
  • Bupivacaine