Evaluation of erector spinae plane block in cardiac surgery patients in terms of acute and chronic pain scores.

Abstract

Pain after cardiac surgery is a frequently encountered morbidity associated with poor quality of life and postoperative recovery. There have been several regional anesthesia modalities for this purpose. We aimed to investigate acute and chronic postoperative analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent cardiac surgery between December 2019 and December 2020. According to regional anesthesia management, there were two groups: ESPB and control groups. Patient demographic data, surgical outcomes, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Prince Henry Hospital Pain Scores (PHHPS) were recorded. Patients in the ESPB group were significantly younger than those in the control group (p=0.023). The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the ESPB group (p=0.009). Patients in the ESPB group had significantly lower NRS and PHHPS pain scores assessed at the 48th hour after extubation (p=0.001 for both cases) and three months after discharge (p<0.001 and p=0.025, respectively). Significance remained after adjustment for age (p=0.029 and p<0.001, respectively) and duration of surgery (p=0.003 and p=0.041, respectively). ESPB might benefit patients with cardiac surgery by reducing acute and chronic postoperative pain.