Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block Research Articles

Erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral block on postoperative quality of recovery in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To compare the impact of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and paravertebral block (PVB) on the quality of postoperative recovery (QoR) of patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods A total of 110 patients who underwent elective LSG under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB or PVB at T8 levels. Before anesthesia induction, 40 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine was administered. The primary outcome was the QoR-15 score at 24 hours postoperatively. Results At 24 hours postoperatively, the QoR-15 score was comparable between the ESPB and PVB groups (131 (112–140) vs. 124 (111–142.5), P = 0.525). Consistently, there was no significant difference in QoR-15 scores at 48 hours postoperatively, numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at any postoperative time points, time to first ambulation, time to first anal exhaust, postoperative cumulative oxycodone consumption, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) between the two groups (all P > 0.05). No nerve block-related complications were observed in either group. Conclusion In patients undergoing LSG, preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB yields comparable postoperative recovery to preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided PVB.

A Comparative Study of Ultrasound Guided erector Spinae Plane Block versus Local Anaesthetic Infiltration in Spine Surgeries for Intraoperative and Post-operative Analgesia

Abstract Background: Thoracolumbar spine surgeries need multimodal analgesia to control postoperative pain and early recovery. The study is about comparing the efficacy of bilateral single-shot ultrasound-guided (USG) erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus local anesthetic infiltration before incision in patients scheduled for spine surgeries under general anesthesia (GA). Aim: This study aimed to compare USG-guided ESPB versus local anesthetic infiltration in spine surgeries for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: Forty patients, the American Society of Anesthesiologists I, II, and III aged 18–80 years, undergoing spine surgeries under GA were enrolled in this prospective, randomized study. Patients were randomized to two groups of 20 each. Group L received GA and local anesthetic infiltration at the incision site by the surgeon and Group E received GA and preoperative bilateral ESPB with 20 mL 0.375% bupivacaine at each site. The primary outcome was the assessment by Numeric Rating Score (NRS) and total postoperative analgesic consumption in the first 24 h. The secondary objectives were intraoperative hemodynamic stability and dexmedetomidine requirement. Results: NRS at 4-h, 6-h, and 12-h postincision was significantly higher in Group L compared to Group E (P = 0.006, P = 00.001, and P = 00.006). The requirement of intraoperative dexmedetomidine and total doses of postoperative analgesic were significantly lower in Group E compared to Group L (P = 0.001). Patients who received ESPB showed better hemodynamic stability compared to those who received local anesthetic infiltration at the incision site. Conclusion: Preoperative bilateral single-shot USG-guided ESPB provides safe and effective intraoperative as well as postoperative analgesia for spine surgeries with reduced analgesic requirement.

Effectiveness of the Bilateral and Bilevel Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) in Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to compare the effect of the ultrasound-guided bilateral and bilevel erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain scores, opioid requirement, intraoperative motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and stress response to surgery expressed by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) versus standard analgesia methods following idiopathic scoliosis surgery. This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients aged 10 to 18 years and physical status ASA 1 or 2 were randomized into 2 equal groups, each receiving an ESPB or sham block. The primary outcome was the pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) within 48 hours after spinal correction and fusion surgery for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. The secondary outcomes were total opioid consumption, NLR, and PLR levels at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively and intraoperative MEPs. ESPB patients presented lower NRS scores, signifying less pain, at all time points (30, 60, 90, 120 min; and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery), all P<0.0001. The total opioid consumption, the incidence of nausea or vomiting, and the need for remifentanil and propofol during surgery were significantly lower in the ESPB group. The surgery-induced stress response expressed by NLR and PLR was considerably lower in the ESPB group. ESPB did not affect the intraoperative MEP's amplitude. ESPB is effective for postoperative analgesia, can reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery, and reduces the stress response to surgery. ESPB does not interfere with neuromonitoring. Level I.

Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Non-cardiac Thoracic and Upper Abdominal Surgery: A Single Institute Comparative Retrospective Case Series.

Introduction Erector spinae plane (ESP) block was first introduced for the management of thoracic pain but has become increasingly popular for the treatment of abdominal surgical pain. Previous studies have shown the ESP block can be easily adapted to abdominal procedures at the corresponding dermatome level and provide postoperative analgesia. Though the versatility, simplicity, and safety of the ESP block have been demonstrated, there is a gap in the literature regarding its comparison between thoracic and abdominal surgeries. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ESP block in treating acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgeries. Methods This retrospective study included 50 patients in the non-cardiac thoracic surgery group (bilateral breast mastectomy with reconstruction) and 50 patients in the abdominal surgery group (robotic or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). Data was obtained via the acute pain service records at a tertiary care center from 2018 to 2022.All patients received bilateral ESP blocks, performed under ultrasound guidance. Various parameters were evaluated including oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores during post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), 6, 12, and 24 hours postop. The use of abortive antiemetic medications within 24 hours was also measured to evaluate the incidence of nausea and vomiting. The results were analyzed and compared. No control group is included, as all patients at our institution receive a peripheral nerve block as a part of the institution's enhanced recovery pathway (ERP). Results This retrospective study included 50 patients in the non-cardiac thoracic surgery group (bilateral breast mastectomy with reconstruction) and 50 patients in the abdominal surgery group (robotic or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). Compared to the thoracic group, the abdominal group had a statistically higher VAS score in PACU with mean difference (MD)1.3 VAS, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-2.56, p-value 0.0443, statistically higher OME consumption in the PACU (difference 13.35 OME, 95% CI 4.97-21.73, p-value 0.0003), and requiredsignificantly more antiemetic pharmacotherapy (mean 1.4 antiemeticsadministered, 95% CI 0.84-2.04, p-value <0.0001). Despite the abdominal group having more OME utilization in the PACU, there was no difference in cumulative OME use in the first 24hours (95% CI-9.745-24.10, p-value 0.4021). Conclusion In this study, we demonstrated that ESP blocks are an effective regional anesthesia technique to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. The ESP block can serve as a useful and safe alternative to either thoracic epidural or paravertebral blocktechniques in thoracic and upper abdominal surgeries for perioperative pain management.

Bilateral erector spinae plane block for percutaneous portal vein embolization.

Bilateral erector spinae plane block for percutaneous portal vein embolization.

Erector spinae plane block level does not impact analgesic efficacy in enhanced recovery for lumbar spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPostoperative pain control following spine surgery can be difficult. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs use multimodal approaches to manage postoperative pain. While an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is commonly utilized, the ideal distance for injection from the incision, referred to as the ES (ESPB to mid-surgical level) distance, remains undetermined. PURPOSEWe evaluated the impact of varying ES distances for ESPB on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) measures of postoperative pain within the ERAS protocol. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective observational study. PATIENT SAMPLEAdult patients who underwent elective lumbar spine fusion surgery. OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcome measures include the comparative postoperative NRS scores across groups at immediate (T1), 24 (T2), 48 (T3), and 72 (T4) hours postsurgery. For secondary outcomes, a propensity matching analysis compared these outcomes between the ERAS and non-ERAS groups, with opioid-related recovery metrics also assessed. METHODSAll included patients were assigned to one of three ERAS groups according to the ES distance: Group 1 (G1, ES > 3 segments), Group 2 (G2, ES = 2–3 segments), and Group 3 (G3, ES<2 segments). Each patient underwent a bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB with 60 mL of diluted ropivacaine or bupivacaine. RESULTSPatients within the ERAS cohort reported mild pain (NRS < 3), with no significant NRS variation across G1 to G3 at any time. Sixty-five patients were matched across ERAS and non-ERAS groups. The ERAS group exhibited significantly lower NRS scores from T1 to T3 than the non-ERAS group. Total morphine consumption during hospitalization was 26.7 mg for ERAS and 41.5 mg for non-ERAS patients. The ERAS group resumed water and food intake sooner and had less postoperative nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSIONSESPBs can be effectively administered at or near the mid-surgical level to the low thoracic region for lumbar spine surgeries. Given challenges with sonovisualization, a lumbar ESPB may be preferred to minimize the risk of inadvertent pleural injury.

Erector spinae plane block as a component of intensive care for acute pancreatitis: a prospective randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND: Analgesia is crucial in the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis, which includes the increased use of regional analgesia. In recent years, less-invasive and safer methods of pain relief, particularly erector spinae plane block (ESP-block), has drawn attention from the anesthesiological community. However, studies on its use in acute pancreatitis are rare.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to make a clinical evaluation of bilateral erector spinae plane block in patients with acute pancreatitis.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot prospective randomized study was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=7), ESP blockade was used, and group 2 (n=12), epidural analgesia (EA) was used. The primary points were considered to be an assessment of pain syndrome intensity and the need for analgesics. Additional results were liver and kidney function, acid-base condition, inflammatory response level, and the time of onset of peristalsis.&#x0D; RESULTS: The decrease in pain intensity in both groups was unidirectional: after 8 h, it was 3.57±1.98 points to the NRS in group 1 and 2.91±1.97 points to the NRS in group 2, and after 24 h, it was 1.42±1.27 and 1.75±2.3 points to the NRS, respectively. No significant difference was found in pain intensity between the groups (р 0,05). The average consumption of ketorolac was 78.2±16.3 mg in group 2 — 63.28±17.23 mg for 1 patient. The average need for narcotic analgesics, that is, morphine, per patient was 22±8 mg in group 1 and 36.3±17.2 mg in group 2 (р 0,05). During the therapy, blood α-amylase, diuresis rate, creatinine level, and glomerular filtration rate did not have a significant difference between the groups, as well as pH, BE, and blood lactate levels (р 0,05). Peristalsis was noted after 12.49±19.73 h in the ESP-block group and after 16.9±21.3 h in the 2nd group (р 0,05). The ICU length of stay between the groups did not differ and was 62±3 and 62±7 h, respectively (р 0,05).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Bilateral erector spinae plane block is a simple and safe method that induces analgesic effect and effect on homeostasis in acute pancreatitis, similar to epidural blockade. Further study of the role and location of erector spinae plane block in treating pain in acute pancreatitis is required.

Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Laparoscopic Resection of Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Study.

In recent years, the attention paid to colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and postoperative analgesia has increased. The objective of the current study was to compare the impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) upon providing relief to patients with postoperative pain who underwent laparoscopic resection for CRC. In this prospective, comparative, and randomized study, the authors considered a total of 60 patients who chose to undergo laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. The total number of patients was randomly divided into two groups (such as ESPB and TQLB) so that each group had a total of 30 patients. For the former group, i.e., the ESPB group, 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered at each side for bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, while the latter group received the same dose of medicine for bilateral ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB). The researchers recorded the first time to rescue an analgesic, the whole amount of rescue analgesia under consumption in the first 24 hours after the surgical procedure, and associated adverse events. Among the groups considered, the ESPB group took a significantly lengthy time to raise a first request for rescue analgesic (280 ± 15.5 min) in comparison with the TQLB group (260 ± 13.8 min). Likewise, the consumption of overall nalbuphine was remarkably lesser in the ESPB group during the first 24 hours (24 ± 2.5 mg) compared to the TQLB group (30.5 ± 1.55 mg). The analgesic efficacy of ESPB was better when compared to TQLB in terms of time to rescue analgesia and overall opioid consumption during the first 24 hours. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/10/2022 (registration number: NCT05574283).

Comparison of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery: a prospective randomized non-inferiority clinical trial

Abstract Background and Aims: Regional techniques are a part of multimodal analgesia following cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery warrants a regional technique, which can provide somatic and visceral analgesia-like quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB). In this study, we investigated the non-inferiority of ESPB at T12 and transmuscular-QLB (TQLB) at L2-L3 for postoperative analgesia in cesarean delivery. Material and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 124 patients undergoing cesarean delivery were enrolled to receive bilateral TQLB or ESPB with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine on each side. All patients received prophylactic acetaminophen and ketorolac for 2 days. Our primary objective was to compare the total tramadol consumption in the first 48 h between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare cumulative tramadol consumption, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score at rest, and with movement at various time points, the time for first rescue analgesic requirement, development of complications related to the block, and patient satisfaction with analgesia between the two groups. Results: The total tramadol consumption in 48 h (47.3 ± 34.9 mg in ESPB and 50.9 ± 38.7 mg in TQLB), duration of first rescue analgesic (22.8 ± 15.8 h in ESPB and 22.7 ± 15.6 h in TQLB), and patient satisfaction were similar between the two groups. Both groups had similar pain scores except at rest at 6 h and on movement at 4 h, 6 h, and 36 h, whereas the ESPB group had lower NRS scores (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The analgesic effect of bilateral ESPB at T12 was non-inferior to that of bilateral TQLB post-caesarean delivery. Key Message: What is already known about the topic: Cesarean delivery warrants a regional analgesia technique which can provide somatic and visceral analgesia postoperatively. While quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a well-established technique for cesarean delivery there are very few comparative studies on erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in cesarean delivery. In the studies comparing ESPB for other lower abdominal procedures, it has been given at T9 only. What new information this study adds: The analgesic effect of bilateral ESPB at T12 was non-inferior to that of bilateral TQLB performed at L2-L3 with the same volume post-cesarean delivery and can be an important addition to multimodal analgesia protocols after cesarean delivery.

Comparative Study between Bilateral and Unilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block in Managing Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains as an important problem, with two components: somatic and visceral. Surgical incisions lead to somatic pain, while abdominal inflation and diaphragm irritation leads to visceral pain. Erector spinae plane block is a newly described interfascial plane block. Aim: to compare bilateral versus unilateral erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy Patients and Methods: The study involved 50 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly assigned in to two equal groups each with 25 patients: unilateral and bilateral erector spinae plane block. Numerical Pain score and need for analgesia during all time points to 12 hr post recovery; hemodynamic indices at baseline, during all time poins from full recovery to 12 hr post recovery were recored. Results: there were no significant differences between the two groups in hemodynamic indices. At 12thhr post operation, 36%, 12% and 36% of patients in unilateral group demonstrated mild, moderate and required rescue analgesia, respectively compared with 28%, 8% and 20% of patients in bilateral group with a statistically significant difference. at 3rdhr post operation, 12% and 8% of patients in unilateral group need paracetamol and tramal, respectively, compared 4% and 0%, respectively in bilateral group, with a significant difference. Additionally, at 12thhr post operation, 34% and 12% of patients in unilateral group need paracetamol and tramal, respectively, compared 28% and 8%, respectively in bilateral group, with a significant difference. Conclusions: Unilateral and bilateral erector spinae plane block seem to have no serious impact hemodynamic indices. Bilateral block is associated with lower pain score and need for postoperative analgesia than unilateral block

Retrospective comparison between low-volume high-concentration and high-volume low-concentration levobupivacaine for bilateral erector spinae plane block in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the analgesic effect of a bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy using either a low-volume high-concentration (LV-HC) or a high-volume low-concentration (HV-LC) local anaesthetic solution. Study designRetrospective observational equivalence trial. AnimalsA total of 391 client-owned dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. MethodsDogs were assigned to group LV-HC or HV-LC depending on whether 0.2–0.25% levobupivacaine (0.4–0.5 mL kg–1) or 0.125–0.15% levobupivacaine (0.8–1 mL kg–1) was used to perform the ESPB, respectively. The number of dogs in which intraoperative rescue fentanyl boluses were administered, the total dose of fentanyl administered, the overall methadone consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively and anaesthetic complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed considering p < 0.05 significant. ResultsA total of 248 and 143 dogs were assigned to groups LV-HC and HV-LC, respectively. In group HV-LC, the number of dogs requiring fentanyl intraoperatively (64.3%) was higher (p = 0.0001) than that in group LV-HC (43.5%). The overall intraoperative fentanyl consumption was higher in group HV-LC between the first skin incision and the end of the lamina drilling (p = 0.028). According to the regression analysis, the group allocation was the best variable to predict the intraoperative fentanyl consumption (p < 0.001).Antimuscarinic drugs were administered more frequently in group LV-HC (p < 0.02). However, the prevalence of hypotension and other pharmacological cardiovascular interventions did not differ between groups. No differences in methadone consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively were found between the groups. Conclusionsand clinical relevanceWhen performing a bilateral ESPB in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy, compared with HV-LC, the use of LV-HC local anaesthetic solution reduces the intraoperative fentanyl consumption without affecting the postoperative methadone requirement.

To evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of bilateral erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open cardiac surgeries approached through midline sternotomy

BackgroundThe efficacy of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in mitigating postoperative pain has been shown for a range of thoracic and abdominal procedures. However, there is a paucity of literature investigating its impact on postoperative analgesia as well as its influence on weaning and subsequent recovery in comparison to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in median sternotomy-based approach for open-cardiac surgeries and hence the study.MethodsIrrespective of gender or age, 74 adult patients scheduled to undergo open cardiac surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: the Group TEA (thoracic epidural block) and the Group ESP (bilateral Erector Spinae Plane block). The following variables were analysed prospectively and compared among the groups with regard to pain control, as determined by the VAS Scale both at rest (VASR) and during spirometry (VASS), time to extubation, quantity and frequency of rescue analgesia delivered, day of first ambulation, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and any adverse cardiac events (ACE), respiratory events (ARE), or other events, if pertinent.ResultsClinical and demographic variables were similar in both groups. Both groups had overall good pain control, as determined by the VAS scale both at rest (VASR) and with spirometry (VASS) with Group ESP demonstrating superior pain regulation compared to Group TEA during the post-extubation period at 6, 9, and 12 h, respectively (P > 0.05). Although statistically insignificant, the postoperative mean rescue analgesic doses utilised in both groups were comparable, but there was a higher frequency requirement in Group TEA. The hemodynamic and respiratory profiles were comparable, except for a few arrhythmias in Group TEA. With comparable results, early recovery, fast-track extubation, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were achieved.ConclusionsThe ESP block has been found to have optimal analgesic effects during open cardiac surgery, resulting in a decreased need for additional analgesic doses and eliminating the possibility of a coagulation emergency. Consequently, it presents itself as a safer alternative to the potentially invasive thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA).

Erector spinae plane blocks for opioid-sparing multimodal pain management after pediatric cardiac surgery

ObjectivePeripheral regional anesthesia is proposed to enhance recovery. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral continuous erector spinae plane blocks (B-ESpB) for postoperative analgesia and the impact on recovery in children undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsPatients aged 2 through 17 years undergoing cardiac surgery in the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program were prospectively enrolled to receive B-ESpB at the end of the procedure, with continuous infusions via catheters postoperatively. Participants wore an activity monitor until discharge. B-ESpB patients were retrospectively matched with control patients in the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program. Outcomes of the matched clusters were compared using exact conditional logistic regression and generalized linear modeling. ResultsForty patients receiving B-ESpB were matched to 78 controls. There were no major complications from the B-ESpB or infusions, and operating room time was longer by a median of 31 minutes. While blocks were infusing, patients with B-ESpB received fewer opioids in oral morphine equivalents than controls at 24 hours (0.60 ± 0.06 vs 0.78 ± 0.04 mg/kg; P = .02) and 48 hours (1.13 ± 0.08 vs 1.35 ± 0.06 mg/kg; P = .04), respectively. Both groups had low median pain scores per 12-hour period. There was no difference in early mobilization, length of stay, or complications. ConclusionsB-ESpBs are safe in children undergoing cardiac surgery. When performed as part of a multimodal pain strategy in an enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program, pediatric patients with B-ESpB experience good pain control and require fewer opioids in the first 48 hours.

Analgesic Strategies for Urologic Videolaparoscopic or Robotic Surgery in the Context of an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol: A Prospective Study Comparing Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block.

Regional anesthesia in postoperative pain management has developed in recent years, especially with the advent of fascial plane blocks. This study aims to compare the ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus the ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) on postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic or robotic urologic surgery. This was a prospective observational study; 97 patients (ESPB-group) received bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB with 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.375% plus 0.5 mcg/kg of dexmedetomidine in each side at the level of T7-T9 and 93 patients (TAPB-group) received bilateral ultrasound-guided TAPB with 20 mL ropivacaine 0.375% or 0.25%. The primary outcome was the postoperative numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, which was significantly lower in the ESPB group on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.001) and, consequently, the number of patients requiring postoperative supplemental analgesic rescue therapies was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Concerning the secondary outcomes, consumption of ropivacaine was significantly lower in the group (p < 0.001) and the total amount of analgesic rescue doses was significantly lower in the ESPB-group than the TAPB-group in postoperative days from 2 to 4 (1 vs. 3, p > 0.001). Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was higher in the TAPB group and no block-related complications were observed. Our data indicate that ESPB provides postoperative pain control at least as good as TAPB plus morphine, with less local anesthetic needed.

A Study to Assess the Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Total Abdominal Hysterectomy under Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Control Study

Abstract Background: Postoperative discomfort after a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) is severe. The Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is the latest addition to the multimodal pain management regimen, providing both visceral and somatic analgesia. Aim: The aim of this study was assessed the postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB for TAH. Materials and Methods: 70 female patients aged 40 to 60 years, American society of anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status class I and II posted for TAH were enrolled. Group ESPB+SA(n=35) received bilateral ESPB using 0.25% ropivacaine hydrochloride 15ml with 0.5µ/kg dexmedetomidine on each side before spinal anaesthesia, while group SA (n=35) received only spinal anaesthesia. Postoperative follow-up for 24 hours.Statistical analysis used: Independent-samples student t-test. Results: The total dose of tramadol injection consumed in the first 24 hours postoperatively in group ESPB+SA was significantly low (110.34mg) as compared to group SA (334.29mg) (P &lt; 0.001). Time for first rescue analgesia was prolonged significantly in group ESPB+SA while it was very short in Group SA(P &lt; 0.001). Postoperatively the mean modified defense and veterans pain rating scale (DVPRS) for pain was lower in group ESPB+SA than in group SA, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Similarly, scores for other modified DVPRS components, such as sleep, activity, mood and stress were lower in the ESPB+SA group. Conclusions: Bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB prior to spinal anaesthesia offers effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia, with significantly lower postoperative tramadol use and a higher satisfaction score in patients undergoing TAH under spinal anaesthesia.

A bilateral single level sacral erector spinae plane (S-ESP) block for gender reassignment surgery.

A bilateral single level sacral erector spinae plane (S-ESP) block for gender reassignment surgery.

Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block vs. Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Caesarean Section: An Observational Closed Mixed Cohort Study.

ESP block (ESPB) and posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block (pQLB) have been proposed as opioid-sparing techniques for the management of pain after abdominal surgery. Between December 2021 and October 2022, we conducted a retrospective comparative study at the delivery suite of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, to compare the efficacy of ESPB and pQLB in preventing postoperative pain after an elective caesarean section (CS). The primary outcome was total morphine consumption in the first 24 h. Secondary outcomes were time to first opioid request; Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h; vital signs; adverse events. Fifty-two women were included. The total cumulative dose of morphine was not significantly different between the two groups of patients (p = 0.897). Time to first dose of morphine, NPRS values and haemodynamic parameters were not statistically different between the two groups. NPRS values significantly increased (p < 0.001) at the different time intervals considered. The need for rescue doses of morphine was lower in the ESPB group compared to the pQLB group (hazard ratio of 0.51, 95% CI (0.27 to 0.95), p = 0.030). No adverse event was reported. ESPB seems to be as effective as pQLB in providing analgesia after CS.

Comparative Study between Subcostal Transverses Abdominis Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block for Post-operative Opioid Sparing Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patient

Background and Aim: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive intra abdominal surgeries to remove the diseased gallbladder. Though associated with complications like pneumoperitoneum. Major benefits include reduced postoperative pain and fewer wound related adverse effects. Growing need for opioid sparing analgesia has led to use of regional techniques for post-operative pain relief. Aim of this study is to compare quality and duration of post-operative analgesia between subcostal transverses abdominis block and erector spinae plane block. Methods: It is a prospective study, where 40 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 each. All the patients received 40 ml of inj 0.25% bupivacaine + 10 mcg inj dexmedetomidine in total. Erector spinae plane (EPS) block was performed in one group of patients and other received sub costal transverses abdominis plane (SCTAP) block. Quality of post-operative analgesia is documented using visual analogue score (VAS) and duration being assessed by the need for rescue analgesia for the set duration of post-operative stay. Results: In the erector spinae plane block group the VAS is considerably lower compared to subcostal transverses abdominis block group. Need for rescue analgesia with NSAIDs was lower in erector spinae plane block group patients. No complications related to the block were documented in either group. Conclusion: In conclusion ultrasound guided bilateral erector spinae plane block provides analgesia superior to bilateral subcostal transverses abdominis plane block.

Benefits of the Erector Spinae Plane Block before Cryoanalgesia in Children Undergoing Surgery for Funnel Chest Deformity.

Thoracic surgery causes significant pain despite standard multimodal analgesia. Intraoperative cryoanalgesia may be a solution. The onset of the clinical effect of cryoanalgesia can take 12-36 h. The addition of a regional anaesthesia before the cryoanalgesia procedure can enable analgesic protection for the patient during this period. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block prior to Nuss surgery. The 'control' group consisted of 10 teenagers who underwent cryoablation together with intravenous multimodal analgesia according to the standard protocol. The 'intervention' group included 26 teenage patients who additionally received an erector spinae plane block before operation. Pain relief (p = 0.015), opioid use (p = 0.009), independent physical activity and rehabilitation (p = 0.020) were faster in the intervention group. No features of local anaesthetic drug toxicity or complications of the ESP block were observed. The bilateral ESP block together with intraoperative intercostal nerve cryoablation performed prior to Nuss correction of funnel chest were more effective in terms of pain control.

The Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided, Continuous, Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block in Perioperative Pain Management of Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled, Double Blind, Prospective Trial

Open and laparoscopic colorectal surgeries, while essential in the management of various colorectal pathologies, are associated with significant postoperative pain. Effective perioperative pain management strategies remain an anesthesiologic challenge. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB), a novel peripheral nerve block, has gained attention for its potential in providing analgesia for a wide variety of surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous, bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB in perioperative pain management of patients undergoing colectomy. This prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial included 40 adult patients scheduled for elective open or laparoscopic colectomy. Patients undergoing open colectomy as well as patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy were randomly allocated into two groups: the ESPB group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). All patients received preoperatively ultrasound-guided, bilateral ESPB with placement of catheters for continuous infusion. Patients in the ESPB group received 0.375% ropivacaine, while patients in the control group received sham blocks. All patients received standardized general anesthesia and multimodal postoperative analgesia. Pain scores, perioperative opioid consumption, and perioperative outcomes were assessed. Patients in the ESPB group required significantly less intraoperative (p &lt; 0.001 for open colectomies, p = 0.002 for laparoscopic colectomies) and postoperative opioids (p &lt; 0.001 for open colectomies, p = 0.002 for laparoscopic colectomies) and had higher quality of recovery scores on the third postoperative day (p = 0.002 for open and laparoscopic colectomies). Patients in the ESPB group did not exhibit lower postoperative pain scores compared to those in the control group (p &gt; 0.05 at various time points), while patients in both groups reported comparable satisfaction scores with their perioperative pain management (p = 0.061 for open colectomies, and p = 0.078 in laparoscopic colectomies). No complications were reported. ESPB is a novel and effective strategy in reducing perioperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing colectomy. This technique, as part of a multimodal analgesic plan and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, can be proven valuable in improving the comfort and satisfaction of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.