Effects of Rhomboid Intercostal Block on Postoperative Pain Management and Chronic Pain Incidence in Mastectomies

"Following standard ASA monitoring, patients were positioned on the surgical table with their backs facing the operator. Skin antisepsis was achieved using povidone. A high-frequency 8-18 MHz linear ultrasound probe was used.~After palpating the rhomboid muscles and intercostal spaces at the T6-T7 levels, the medial border of the scapula and the vertebral column were identified. The ultrasound probe was placed horizontally along the medial border of the scapula. Using ultrasound guidance, the ribs, rhomboid muscles, intercostal muscles, and pleura were visualized. Once these anatomical structures were clearly identified, a 50 mm, 22G regional block needle was advanced in-plane from caudal to cranial under ultrasound guidance until the interfascial plane beneath the rhomboid muscles was reached and total of 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (Marcaine® 0.5%, AstraZeneca PLC, London, UK) was injected."