Regional Anesthesia and Postoperative Opioid Use in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nerve and fascial plane blocks are common components of early recovery after surgery protocols for autologous breast reconstruction, but there is mixed data regarding their efficacy. This study evaluated the association between regional anesthesia and postoperative opioid use, patient-reported pain, length of stay (LOS), and duration of surgery.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of articles on regional anesthesia in autologous breast reconstruction and a dual extraction of outcomes. Data of interest included total, 24-hour, and 48-hour opioid use (intravenous [IV] morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]), patient-reported pain, and length of surgery and stay. We performed meta-analyses with random effects models for mean difference (MD).

Results

We inc

SUBMITTER: Heron MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11999404 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature