Adding liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride for serratus anterior plane block improves pain-related and early recovery outcomes after modified radical mastectomy compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone.
This randomized, double-blind trial compares liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine HCl versus bupivacaine HCl alone for serratus anterior plane block in 76 patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The primary outcome is the Quality of Recovery-15 score at 24 hours postoperatively, with secondary outcomes including pain intensity up to 72 hours, opioid use, and sleep quality. Results are pending as this is a protocol paper.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Adding liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride for serratus anterior plane block improves pain-related and early recovery outcomes after modified radical mastectomy compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Adding liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride for serratus anterior plane block improves pain-related and early recovery outcomes after modified radical mastectomy compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Seventy-six patients undergoing elective modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Liposomal Bupivacaine for Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Evaluating Pain-Related and Early Recovery Outcomes. (Journal of pain research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Liposomal bupivacaine provides sustained release of local anesthetic
- ▸Prolongs sensory blockade duration
- ▸Reduces nociceptive input from the surgical site
- ▸Decreases postoperative pain and opioid consumption, improving early recovery
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Seventy-six patients undergoing elective modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Results are not yet available as this is a protocol paper; no data on efficacy or safety are reported.
- ▸Sample size is relatively small (n=76), which may limit generalizability and detection of rare adverse events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome measured in this trial?▼
The primary outcome is the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 hours postoperatively.
How many patients are enrolled in this study?▼
Seventy-six patients undergoing elective modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer are being enrolled.
What is the difference between the two treatment groups?▼
Group L receives liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine HCl for the serratus anterior plane block, while Group B receives bupivacaine HCl alone.
When were the results of this trial published?▼
This is a protocol paper; results are not yet available. The trial was registered in November 2025 and published in 2026.
References
- 1.Wei M, Tong J, Pang Y, Zhou X, Qiu Y, Wang Z. “Liposomal Bupivacaine for Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Evaluating Pain-Related and Early Recovery Outcomes..” Journal of pain research, 2026. PMID: 42438817 DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S617864