Erector Spinae Plane Block Performed in the Emergency Department for Abdominal Pain: A Case Series.

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are fast becoming a core part of opioid-sparing, multimodal, acute pain management in the emergency department (ED) setting. The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal and neuropathic painful conditions in the ED. Here we report the effective use of the ESPB for pain control in four patients who presented with acute abdominal pain related to biliary obstruction in a resource-limited setting. The ESPB may be helpful in treating abdominal pain related to biliary obstruction, which is a novel indication for this well-established technique. This application is particularly relevant in resource-limited settings with significant delay in definitive surgical management. Further research is needed prior to widespread adoption.