Postoperative analgesia using the ERAS® protocol in total mastectomy. A randomized clinical trial

Background: Up to 60% of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer experience severe postoperative pain.The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has demonstrated efficacy in managing postoperative pain.Objective: To compare postoperative pain in patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer with and without the application of the ERAS protocol.Method: Women over 18 years of age with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy were included.The ERAS protocol was implemented during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.Pain intensity was assessed at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes postoperatively, as well as at discharge.Results: A total of 80 patients were enrolled: 43 (53.75%) in the ERAS group and 37 (46.25%) in the control group.A significant reduction in pain scores was observed in the ERAS group during immediate postoperative assessment, at 30, 60, 90 minutes, and at discharge (p < 0.001).No significant differences were found between groups regarding operative time or intraoperative bleeding.conclusions: Implementation of the ERAS protocol in patients undergoing mastectomy is associated with improved postoperative pain control.