Illustration symbolizing pectoral nerve block and breast cancer recovery

Pectoral Nerve Block: Can it Ease Long-Term Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery?

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Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study explores if a simple nerve block during breast cancer surgery can help prevent chronic pain."


Breast cancer surgery, while life-saving, can often leave patients with persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP). It’s a significant issue, affecting anywhere from 25% to 60% of individuals who undergo these procedures. Imagine the frustration of overcoming cancer only to face a new, chronic pain that impacts your daily life.

In the quest to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, researchers have been exploring various techniques to manage pain effectively. One promising approach is the pectoral nerve block (PECS), a regional anesthesia technique that aims to reduce pain by blocking the nerves in the chest area during surgery. PECS has shown promise in reducing early postoperative pain, but what about its long-term effects?

A recent retrospective study has delved into this question, comparing the incidence of PPSP in patients who received PECS during breast cancer surgery versus those who didn't. This article will explore the findings of this study, shedding light on whether PECS can be a valuable tool in preventing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery.

Understanding the Pectoral Nerve Block (PECS) Procedure

Illustration symbolizing pectoral nerve block and breast cancer recovery

The pectoral nerve block (PECS) is a regional anesthesia technique designed to alleviate pain by targeting the nerves in the chest area. During a PECS procedure, a local anesthetic is injected near the pectoral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the chest wall. By blocking these nerves, the PECS procedure aims to reduce pain and discomfort both during and after surgery.

The primary goal of PECS is to provide effective pain relief while minimizing the need for opioid pain medications, which can have undesirable side effects. PECS can be performed before, during, or after surgery, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the surgeon's preferences.

  • Improved Pain Management: PECS has been shown to reduce postoperative pain, allowing patients to recover more comfortably.
  • Reduced Opioid Use: By providing effective pain relief, PECS can help minimize the reliance on opioid pain medications, which can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and drowsiness.
  • Faster Recovery: Patients who receive PECS may experience a quicker recovery and return to normal activities due to reduced pain and discomfort.
  • Improved Patient Satisfaction: Effective pain management can lead to higher patient satisfaction and a more positive surgical experience.
In the context of breast cancer surgery, PECS is typically administered before the procedure. An anesthesiologist uses ultrasound guidance to precisely inject the local anesthetic near the pectoral nerves, ensuring accurate placement and optimal pain relief. By blocking these nerves, PECS aims to reduce pain during and after the surgery, contributing to a smoother recovery process for the patient.

The Promising Future of PECS in Breast Cancer Care

While the retrospective study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of PECS in preventing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the optimal use of PECS in clinical practice. Prospective, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are essential to validate the effectiveness of PECS and identify the ideal patient populations that would benefit most from this technique. As research continues to evolve, PECS holds promise as a valuable tool in improving pain management and enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing breast cancer surgery.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is a pectoral nerve block (PECS)?

The pectoral nerve block, or PECS, is a regional anesthesia technique used to alleviate pain by targeting the nerves in the chest area. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is injected near the pectoral nerves, which transmit pain signals from the chest wall. The goal is to reduce pain and discomfort, potentially minimizing the need for opioid pain medications. This contrasts with general anesthesia which renders a patient unconscious.

2

Why is the pectoral nerve block (PECS) important in the context of breast cancer surgery?

PECS is significant because it could reduce the risk of persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) after breast cancer surgery. PPSP can significantly impact a patient's quality of life after overcoming cancer. By blocking the pectoral nerves, PECS aims to reduce pain during and after surgery, potentially leading to a smoother recovery process and improved patient satisfaction. Other nerve blocks exist, but PECS specifically targets the chest area relevant to breast cancer surgeries.

3

What are the advantages of using pectoral nerve block (PECS)?

PECS offers several benefits, including improved pain management, reduced opioid use, faster recovery, and improved patient satisfaction. By providing effective pain relief, PECS can minimize reliance on opioid pain medications, which often have undesirable side effects. It also facilitates a quicker return to normal activities because of reduced discomfort. This contrasts with relying solely on systemic pain medication.

4

How is pectoral nerve block (PECS) administered during breast cancer surgery?

During breast cancer surgery, PECS is typically administered before the procedure. An anesthesiologist uses ultrasound guidance to precisely inject the local anesthetic near the pectoral nerves, ensuring accurate placement and optimal pain relief. By blocking these nerves, PECS aims to reduce pain during and after the surgery. It's a targeted approach unlike general anesthesia which affects the entire body.

5

Is the pectoral nerve block (PECS) guaranteed to prevent long-term pain, and what further research is being done?

While a retrospective study suggests the potential benefits of PECS in preventing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery, further research is needed. Prospective, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are essential to validate the effectiveness of PECS and identify the ideal patient populations that would benefit most from this technique. More extensive studies can solidify PECS as a standard practice.

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