ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Breast cancer is the most fatal cancer in women. Surgery is frequently used for the stellate ganglion blockade. We researched retrospectively 6 patients who had stellate ganglion block because of pain in arm and edema after mastectomy between January 2008 and September 2009 at Istanbul Education and Research Hospital Pain Clinic.

Material and Method:

At first diagnostic block executed once or twice. Stellate ganglion block is executed with Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in patients which significant decrease in VAS, Horner Syndrome, heat increase of the same side skin occurs. Demographic data, VAS scores before and after surgery, usage of opioid at sixth month, side effects and patient satisfactions are researched.

Results:

Eight diagnostic and 6 RFTC stellate ganglion block executed to 6 patients ages between 38 and 60. There has been significant change in VAS scores and usage of opioid after stellate ganglion block.

Conclusion:

We come to a conclusion that stellate ganglion block is an effective method for the chronic pain after mastectomy.