Effect of sustained-release lidocaine on reduction of pain after subpectoral breast augmentation.
BACKGROUND
Subpectoral breast augmentation is a popular procedure that increases the attractiveness of the female breast. However, this surgical procedure often causes postoperative breast pain.


OBJECTIVE
The author reports a new method of controlling postoperative breast pain following subpectoral augmentation.


METHODS
Thirty patients were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 patients each. In all patients, silicone gel prostheses were placed in the subpectoral pocket. Patients in group A received 7.5 mL of 3.5% lidocaine dissolved in fibrin glue. Group B received 7.5 mL of lidocaine alone, and those in group C received 7.5 mL of fibrin glue alone. Breast pain was observed for 1 week postoperatively for all 3 groups. Patients completed questionnaires on each postoperative day in which pain assessment was scored according to a 0 to 3 scale: 0 equaled "no pain" and 3 equaled "worst pain."


RESULTS
Postoperative breast pain reported by patients in group A was significantly less than that reported by patients in groups B and C (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Sustained-release lidocaine applied in the subpectoral pocket significantly reduced postoperative pain and discomfort without complications for patients who received cosmetic subpectoral breast augmentation. The relatively small size of the patient group limits the impact of these results; a much larger randomized, double-blind study is planned.
Zhibo
Xiao
X
Department of Plastic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, China. xiaozhibodoctor@yahoo.com.cn
Miaobo
Zhang
Z
D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D008012:Lidocaine