Erector spinae plane block and rhomboid intercostal block for the treatment of post-mastectomy pain syndrome.

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) can have multiple pain generators, including neuropathic pain and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Erector spinae plane (ESP) block and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) have been used to provide anesthesia of the thorax and also for some chronic pain conditions. We describe a 43-year-old man suffering from right PMPS after right mastectomy, full axillary, and mammary lymph node dissection.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using the inferior J-shaped ministernotomy in high-risk patients.

In the last years the population of patients referred for coronary surgery has changed toward a high-risk profile. In selected cases minimally invasive approach could be a good option to reduce mortality and morbidity. Between September 2005 and September 2007, twenty-one consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive bypass surgery using the J-shaped inferior mini-sternotomy approach.

The analgesic efficacy of continuous elastomeric pump ropivacaine wound instillation after appendectomy.

Study Objective: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of ropivacaine 0.2% when administered continuously via elastomeric pump after appendectomy.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.