Paravertebral blocks in breast cancer surgery: is there a difference in postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients with paravertebral blocks (PVB) undergoing breast cancer surgery with or without axillary staging.

Methods: An Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective chart review from January 2007 to December 2009 was performed at a single institution. Charts were reviewed for type of breast cancer surgery, axillary staging, PVB, PONV, postoperative pain score, dosages of pain medication and antiemetic medication given in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and during the postoperative days (POD).