Original article

Pectoralis (PecS) nerve block 1 for port-a-cath removal and central venous catheter (CVC) replacement

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Abstract

Aim: The use of PecS block 1 as perioperative analgesia for a central catheter removal-reimplantation combined procedure.

Methods: A 55-year-old woman suffering from peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer needed to have a port-a-cath implanted for infection removed and to have a central venous catheter (CVC) implanted in the homolateral axillary vein due to patient's history of deep vein thrombosis of the right upper limb. We used PECS 1 block for perioperative analgesia.

Results: Compared to the traditional catheter implantation technique, reduction in the doses of local anaesthetics, shortening in the execution time, less intra-procedural bleeding, better patient's compliance, and no need for a rescue dose of local anaesthetic were observed.

Conclusion: The PEC1 block was effectively and safely used to remove an infected port-a-cath and to place a CVC on the same side. We hypothesize that it may be useful also for simple port-acath positioning.

Keywords: complication, local anaesthesia, outcomes, pectoralis block, port-a-cath

How to Cite:

Renzini, M., Ripani, U., Golia, L., Nisi, F. & Gori, F., (2020) “Pectoralis (PecS) nerve block 1 for port-a-cath removal and central venous catheter (CVC) replacement”, Medicinski glasnik 17(2), 352-355. doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/1158-20