Effectiveness of a Novel Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel (PF72) for Postoperative Pain Relief in Breast Augmentation

Abstract

Breast augmentation can cause severe postoperative pain, leading to an increased length of hospital stay. Postoperative pain management following breast surgery has traditionally involved intravenous and oral analgesics. However, the misuse of opioids can cause severe complications. As a result, several alternative methods have been suggested. Fifty patients were included in this study. All the patients underwent dual-plane pocket dissection using the transaxillary approach and received smooth-type breast implants. The intervention group included 25 patients who received PF72 combined with ropivacaine, and the control group included 25 patients who received only bupivacaine. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score was used to evaluate each patient’s pain. Three hours after the surgery, the average NRS scores of the control and intervention groups were 3.75 and 2.48, respectively. Six hours after the operation, the NRS scores of the control and intervention groups increased to 4.77 and 3.02, respectively. PF72 combined with ropivacaine was more effective than only bupivacaine for pain control in patients who underwent breast augmentations.