Erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in breast and thoracic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveThe erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a newly defined regional anesthesia technique first introduced in 2016. The aim of this study is to determine its analgesic efficacy compared with non-block care and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB).DesignWe systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science citation index, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov register searched up to March 2020. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared an ESPB to non-block care or TPVB for postoperative analgesia in breast and thoracic surgery patients. Primary outcome was 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methodology.Results14 RCTs that comprised 1018 patients were included. Seven trials involved thoracic surgery patients and seven included breast surgery patients. Meta-analysis revealed that ESPB significantly reduced 24-hour opioid consumption compared with the non-block groups (−10.5 mg; 95% CI: −16.49 to −3.81; p = 0.002; I² = 99%). Similarly, the finding was consistent in subgroup analysis between the breast surgery (−7.75 mg; 95%CI −13.98 to −1.51; p = 0.01; I² = 97%) and thoracic surgery (−14.81 mg; 95%CI −21.18 to −8.44; p < 0.001; I² = 96%) subgroups. The ESPB significantly reduced pain scores at rest or movement at various time points postoperatively compared with non-block group, and reduced the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.27 to 0.86; p = 0.01; I² = 0%). In contrast, there were no significative differences reported in any of the outcomes for ESPB versus TPVB strata.ConclusionsESPB improved analgesic efficacy in breast and thoracic surgery patients compared with non-block care. Furthermore, current literature supported the ESPB offered comparable analgesic efficacy to a TPVB.     

Efficacy of erector spinae plane block for analgesia in breast surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The erector spinae plane block is a new regional anaesthesia technique that provides truncal anaesthesia for breast surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to determine if the erector spinae plane block is effective at reducing pain scores and opioid consumption after breast surgery. This study also evaluated the outcomes of erector spinae plane blocks compared with other regional blocks. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. We included randomised controlled trials reporting the use of the erector spinae plane block in adult breast surgery. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess trial quality. Thirteen randomised controlled trials (861 patients; 418 erector spinae plane block, 215 no blocks, 228 other blocks) were included. Erector spinae plane block reduced postoperative pain compared with no block: at 0-2 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −1.63 (−2.97 to −0.29), 6 studies, 329 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 98%, p = 0.02); at 6 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.90 (−1.49 to −0.30), 5 studies, 250 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 91%, p = 0.003); at 12 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.46 (−0.67 to −0.25), 5 studies, 250 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 58%, p < 0.0001); and at 24 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.50 (−0.70 to −0.30), 6 studies, 329 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 76%, p < 0.00001). Compared with no block, erector spinae plane block also showed significantly lower postoperative oral morphine equivalent requirements (mean difference (95% CI) −21.55mg (−32.57 to −10.52), 7 studies, 429 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 99%, p = 0.0001). Separate analysis of studies comparing erector spinae plane block with pectoralis nerve block and paravertebral block showed that its analgesic efficacy was inferior to pectoralis nerve block and similar to paravertebral block. The incidence of pneumothorax was 2.6% in the paravertebral block group; there were no reports of complications of the other blocks. This review has shown that the erector spinae plane block is more effective at reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores up to 24 hours compared with general anaesthesia alone. However, it was inferior to the pectoralis nerve block and its efficacy was similar to paravertebral block. Further evidence, preferably from properly blinded trials, is required to confirm these findings.     

The effect of ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block,single-injection erector spinae plane block and multiple-injection paravertebral block on postoperative analgesia in thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized,double-blinded,clinical trial

Study objectiveThe study was to determine the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block (ICNB) and single-injection erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in comparison with multiple-injection paravertebral block (PVB) after thoracoscopic surgery.DesignRandomized, controlled, double- blinded study.SettingOperating room, postoperative recovery room and ward.PatientsSeventy-five patients, aged 18–75 years, ASA I–II and scheduled for elective thoracoscopic partial pulmonary resection surgery were enrolled in the study. Seventy-two patients were left for final analysis.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned into the three groups (PVB group, ICNB group or ESPB group). After anesthesia induction, a single anesthesiologist performed PVB at T5-T7 levels or ICNB at T4-T9 levels or ESPB at T5 level under ultrasound guidance using 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine. Patients were connected to the patient-controlled morphine analgesia device after surgery.MeasurementsCumulative morphine consumption at 24 h postoperatively as primary outcome was compared. Visual analog scale pain scores at rest and while coughing at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, cumulative morphine consumption at other observed time and rescue analgesia requirement were also recorded.Main resultsThere was a significant difference in median [interquartile range, IQR] morphine consumption at 24 h postoperatively among the three groups (PVB, 10.5 [9–15] mg; ICNB, 18 [13.5–22.1] mg; ESPB, 22 [15–25.1] mg; p = 0.000). This difference was statistically significant for PVB group vs ESPB group (median difference, −7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], −12 to −4.5; p = 0.000) and PVB group vs ICNB group (median difference, −6; 95% CI, −9 to −3; p = 0.001), but not for ICNB vs ESPB (median difference, −3; 95% CI, −6 to 1.5; p = 0.192). PVB group had significantly lower VAS scores at rest and while coughing than ESPB group at 0, 2, 4, 8 h postoperatively and than ICNB group at 8 h postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the VAS scores between ICNB group and ESPB group at all time. Median VAS scores at rest and while coughing at all time were low (<4) in all groups. More rescue analgesia was needed in ESPB group during 48 postoperative hours (PVB vs ICNB vs ESPB; 13% vs 29% vs 46%; p < 0.05).ConclusionsUltrasound-guided multiple-injection PVB provided superior analgesia to ICNB and single-injection ESPB, while ICNB and single-injection ESPB were equally effective in reducing pain after thoracoscopic surgery.     

Bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spinal fusion surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

Both erector spinae plane block and wound infiltration are used to improve analgesia following spinal fusion surgery. Herein, we compared the analgesic effect of bilateral erector spinae plane block with wound infiltration in this patient population.

Methods

In this randomized trial, 60 patients scheduled for elective open posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block before incision (n = 30) or wound infiltration at the end of surgery (n = 30). Both groups received standardized general anesthesia and postoperative analgesia, including patient-controlled analgesia with sufentanil and no background infusion. Opioid consumption and pain intensity were assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption within 24 h after surgery.

Results

All 60 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The equivalent dose of sufentanil consumption within 24 h was significantly lower in patients given erector spinae plane block (median 11 μg, interquartile range 5–16) than in those given wound infiltration (20 μg, 10 to 43; median difference − 10 μg, 95% CI − 18 to − 3, P = 0.007). The cumulative number of demanded PCA boluses was significantly lower with erector spinae plane block at 6 h (median difference − 2, 95% CI − 3 to 0, P = 0.006), 12 h (− 3, 95% CI − 6 to − 1, P = 0.002), and 24 h (− 5, 95% CI − 8 to − 2, P = 0.005) postoperatively. The proportion given rescue analgesia was also significantly lower in patients given erector spinae plane block group within 48 h (relative risk 0.27, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.96, P = 0.037). There were no statistical differences in pain intensity at any timepoints between groups. No procedure-related adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Compared with wound infiltration, bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block decreases short-term opioid consumption while providing similar analgesia in patients following lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100053008.

     

Impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative quality of recovery in video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective,randomized, controlled trial

Study objectiveRegional anesthesia improves postoperative analgesia and enhances the quality of recovery (QoR) after surgery. We examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on QoR after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).DesignProspective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.SettingSingle institution, tertiary university hospital.PatientsAdult patients who scheduled for VATS under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study.InterventionsWe randomly allocated patients to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB with 25 ml of either 0.5% ropivacaine (ESPB group) or normal saline (Control group).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was QoR as measured by the 40-item QoR questionnaire (QoR-40) score at postoperative day 1. Secondary results were post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, acute postoperative pain, cumulative opioid consumption, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV), and patient satisfaction.Main resultsThe global QoR-40 score at postoperative day 1 (median, interquartile range) was significantly higher in the ESPB group (174, 170 to 177) than the control group (161.5, 160 to 165), estimated median difference 11 (95% CI 9 to 13, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, single-injection of ESPB reduced PACU discharge time, acute postoperative pain, and cumulative opioid consumption. Correspondingly, the median patient satisfaction scores were higher in the ESPB group than the control group (9 versus 7, P < 0.001).ConclusionPreoperative single-injection thoracic ESPB with ropivacaine improves QoR, postoperative analgesia, and patient satisfaction after VATS.     

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy: A randomized,placebo-controlled trial

Study objectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block on postoperative pain in radical prostatectomy, which leads to both visceral and somatic pain.DesignProspective, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsA total of ASA I-III, 50 patients aged 18–65 who were scheduled for elective open radical prostatectomy surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomly allocated to receive an ultrasound-guided ESP block, with either local anesthetic (10 mL of 1% lidocaine +10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine) or placebo bilaterally.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was morphine consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were NRS pain scores at rest and coughing, intraoperative remifentanil consumption and need for rescue analgesic during the first 24 h after surgery.Main resultsBoth NRS scores for post-anesthesia care unit and NRS_rest scores for 1st hours were lower in Group ESPB (p < 0.001 and p = 0.033, respectively). Cumulative morphine consumption at 24 h post-surgery was similar between the groups (p = 0.447). Rescue analgesic requirement was higher in the placebo injection group than in the ESPB group at the 1st postoperative hour (p = 0.002).ConclusionsIn open radical prostatectomies, except for the first hour, ESP block is ineffective for pain scores and on morphine consumption compared to the placebo injection group in the postoperative period.     

Analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block in lumbar spine surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveErector spinae plane block (ESPB) has gained popularity for perioperative analgesia in various surgeries. However, its efficacy in lumbar surgery remains unclear. This review aimed to determine whether ESPB could improve analgesic efficacy in lumbar spine surgery.DesignA meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.SettingPerioperative setting.PatientsPatients undergoing lumbar spine surgery under general anesthesia.InterventionsWe searched the databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science etc. for published eligible controlled trials comparing ESPB with control (no block/sham block) in lumbar spine surgery.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery.Main resultsTwelve studies comprising 665 participants were included. Compared to the control, ESPB reduced the opioid (morphine milligram equivalents) consumption significantly 24 h after surgery [mean difference (MD) = −14.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), −21.03 to −8.07; P < 0.0001] and lowered the pain scores at various time points (at rest or during movement) for 48 h after surgery. ESPB increased the patient satisfaction score (0−10) (MD = 2.38; 95% CI, 2.10 to 2.66; P < 0.0001), decreased the postoperative nausea and vomiting [risk ratio (RR) = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.67; P = 0.001], and minimized the length of hospital stay (MD = −1.24 days; 95% CI, −2.31 to −0.18; P = 0.02). Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed additional reduction in opioid consumption by the block approach at the vertebral level of incision/operation than that at the fixed thoracic/lumbar level. However, considerable heterogeneity and low-grade quality of evidence were observed.ConclusionsESPB provided effective postoperative analgesia resulting in better patient satisfaction and recovery with decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing lumbar surgery compared to the control. However, the low-grade quality of evidence compromised the findings, therefore further high-quality of evidence is required.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021233362.     

The effect of preoperative erector spinae plane vs. paravertebral blocks on patient-controlled oxycodone consumption after video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective randomized,blinded, non-inferiority study

Study objectiveTo investigate the effective analgesia for video-assisted thoracic surgery.DesignIn this prospective non-inferiority study, we evaluated the postoperative analgesic effect of preoperative ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane blocks (ESPB) on T4 and T6 levels in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery in comparison with paravertebral block (PVB) at the same intervertebral spaces.SettingA university hospital.Patients66 patients scheduled to undergo video-assisted thoracic surgery under general anesthesia were included.InterventionsPatients were randomly allocated to receive ultrasound-guided ESP blocks on T4 and T6 levels (Group ESPB, n = 33) or PVB (Group PVB, n = 33) with 30 mL 0.4% ropivacaine 30 min before anesthesia induction. A continuous flurbiprofen (8 mg/h) was infused postoperatively through a single-use infusion device and intravenous oxycodone supplied as analgesic rescue if needed, with bolus of oxycodone (1 mg) and lockout time being 10 min.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the postoperative oxycodone consumption at 48 h.Main resultsIntraoperative use of sufentanil and remifentanil were comparable between these two groups. Pain scores, oxycodone rescue and Quality of Recovery (QoR) 15 on postoperative day 1 and 2 were equivalent between these two groups. Postoperative oxycodone consumption was 7.9 ± 8.7 boluses in ESPB group and 6.9 ± 6.3 boluses in PVB group at 48 h. The cumulative 48 h difference i.e. Oxycodone boluses_{with ESPB} minus Oxycodone boluses_{with PVB} was 2 (95% CI -1, 5.6). The lower limit of the 95% CI for this difference was −1, which was within the predefined non-inferiority margin of −10 (Δ).ConclusionsUltrasound-guided ESPB applied before video assisted thoracic surgery was non-inferior in analgesic effect compared with PVB in terms of pain score, analgesic rescue consumption and quality of recovery.Brief summary statementPreoperative Erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB), when in combination with round-the-clock NSAIDs, offered equivalent analgesia and quality of recovery after video assisted thoracic lung surgery compared with paravertebral blocks. Patients who received ESP blocks had similar consumption of oxycodone and length of hospital stay.     

Benefits and risks of intermittent bolus erector spinae plane block through a catheter for patients after cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study

Study objectiveA lateral mini-thoracotomy approach to cardiac surgery causes severe and complicated postoperative pain compared to the sternotomy approach. In this study we assessed the benefits and risks of intermittent bolus erector spinae plane block (ESPB) via a catheter for patients who underwent cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy.DesignA propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity hospital.Patients452 consecutive patients that underwent cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy from 2018 to 2020.InterventionsPatients who received intermittent bolus ESPB through a catheter for 3 days (ESPB group, n = 93) were compared with patients who did not receive any regional anesthesia (Control group, n = 174) after propensity score matching.MeasurementsThe primary endpoint was postoperative in-hospital cumulative opioid consumption (calculated as oral morphine milligram equivalents, MME). The secondary outcomes were intraoperative sufentanil doses, therapeutic use of antiemetic, pulmonary infection (assessed using a modified clinical pulmonary infection score, CPIS), durations of ICU and hospital stays, and ESPB related/unrelated complications.Main resultsThere is a lower oral MME in the ESPB group, 266 ± 126 mg in the ESPB group vs. 346 ± 105 mg in the control group (95% CI -113 to −46; P < 0.01). Fewer patients received therapeutic antiemetic agents in the ESPB group (30% vs. 42%, odds ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.99; P = 0.04). The modified CPIS in the ESPB group is lower: 1.4 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.0 (95% CI -0.9 to −0.3; P < 0.01) on postoperative day 1; 1.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9 (95% CI -0.7 to −0.2; P < 0.01) on postoperative day 2. The observed complications associated with ESPB include pneumothorax (1%), staxis around stomas (5%), hypotension (1%), catheter displacement (3%), and catheter obstruction (2%). None of the patients had any adverse outcomes.ConclusionIntermittent bolus ESPB is relatively safe and correlated with a reduction in the use of opioids and antiemetics for cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy.     

Effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain after open lumbar spinal surgery: a double-blind,randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) are an important part of the multimodal analgesia for reducing postoperative pain, opioids consumption and its side effects. A new PNB, Erector spinae plane block (ESPB), has been revealed postoperative analgesic effect in various surgical procedures such as breast, thoracic and abdominal surgery, with the limitation of the studies for spine surgery. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) after open lumbar spinal surgery.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty-two patients undergoing posterior lumbar spinal surgery were randomly allocated into two groups. The ESPB group (n = 31) received ultrasound (US)-guided bilateral ESPB using 20 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine with adrenaline 5 mcg/ml per side. The control group (n = 31) received no intervention. The same postoperative analgesia regimen was applied by oral acetaminophen 10–15 mg/kg every 6 h, naproxen 250 mg twice daily, and intravenous (IV) morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. The postoperative morphine consumption, numerical pain score (NRS) and the side effects were recorded.

Results

The bilateral ESPB group reduced the 24 h-morphine consumption by 42.9% (P < 0.001), decreased overall pain score at rest by 1.4 points (P = 0.02), and decreased overall pain score on movement by 2.2 points (P < 0.001). No severe complications related to the block technique or morphine used occurred.

Conclusion

The US-guided bilateral ESPB demonstrated the effectiveness for postoperative analgesia management after open lumbar spinal surgery regarding reduced opioid consumption and pain score without any serious complications.

     

Comparative efficacy of quadratus lumborum type-II and erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundQuadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane blocks have been used to provide analgesia in patients undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgeries. Our study compared the analgesic efficacy of the quadratus lumborum type-II block (QLB-II) and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in parturients who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.MethodsFifty-two patients with comparable demographic profiles were randomised into two groups, QLB-II (n = 26) and ESPB (n = 26). After the surgery, patients received either ultrasound-guided QLB-II or ESPB using 0.25% bupivacaine 0.3 mL/kg. Comparison of analgesic efficacy was in terms of fentanyl consumption (primary outcome), pain scores, incidence of complications in the 24-h postoperative period, and quality of recovery (QoR-15) on postoperative days one and two, and day of discharge.ResultsThere was no significant difference in cumulative number of fentanyl doses (W = 349.000, P = 0.840), numerical rating score at rest (P = 0.648) or with movement (P = 0.520), QoR-15 scores on postoperative day one (P = 0.549), day two (P = 0.927) or day of discharge (P = 0.676).ConclusionWe concluded that patients who underwent QLB-II or ESPB reported similar analgesic efficacy, complications, and quality of recovery in the postoperative period.     

Bilateral bi-level erector spinae plane blocks in scoliosis surgery: a retrospective comparative study

Objective:This study aimed to compare the effect of the ultrasound (US) guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain scores, opioid requirement, patient satisfaction, and the length of hospital stay with standard analgesia methods following scoliosis surgery.Methods:Twenty-seven patients (17 females, 10 males; mean age = 15.59 ± 3.24 years) who underwent scoliosis surgery with preoperative bilateral bilevel US-guided ESPB were the sample group, and the remaining 30 patients (20 females, 10 males; mean age = 15.57 ± 2.75 years) without ESPB were the control group. Bilateral bilevel injection ESPB was performed at two levels (T4 and T10). Postoperative pain scores, morphine consumption, patient satisfaction scores, and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia were recorded. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score postoperative pain.Results:VAS at rest and when mobile, as well as postoperative cumulative morphine consumption in the first postoperative 24 h, was significantly lower in the ESPB group. Thirteen patients in the control group but no in the ESPB group required rescue analgesics in the postoperative period. Both the time to the requirement of the initial dose of PCA and patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the ESPB group (P < 0.001 for both).Conclusion:Given the need for improved recovery of the patients, ESPB seems to be an essential analgesic technique that may reduce both opioid consumption and the severity of the pain, thus increasing the satisfaction of the patients and decreasing the length of hospital stay.Level of Evidence:Level IV, Therapeutic Study     

Bilateral erector spinae plane blocks in children undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized,controlled study

Study objectiveWe aimed to test the hypothesis that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) provides efficient analgesia and reduces postoperative morphine consumption in children undergoing cardiac surgery with median sternotomy.DesignA prospective, blinded, randomized, controlled study.SettingA tertiary university hospital, operating room and intensive care unit.PatientsForty children aged 2–10 years, who underwent cardiac surgery with median sternotomy. The patients were randomly divided into the block group (Group B) and the control group (Group C).InterventionsGroup B (n = 20) were treated with ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB at the level of the T4-T5 transverse process, whereas no block was administered in Group C (n = 20). In all children, intravenous morphine at 0.05 mg/kg was used whenever the modified objective pain score (MOPS) ≥4 for postoperative analgesia.MeasurementsThe MOPS and Ramsay sedation score (RSS) were assessed at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h postoperatively. Total morphine consumption at 24 h, extubation time and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was also evaluated and recorded.Main resultsBilateral ESPB significantly decreased the consumption of morphine in the first 24 h, postoperatively. During the postoperative 24-h follow-up, 11 children in Group C requested morphine and the cumulative dose of morphine was 0.83 ± 0.91 mg, while 4 children in Group B requested morphine and the cumulative dose of morphine was 0.26 ± 0.59 mg (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference between Groups B and C in terms of MOPS and RSS values, extubation time or length of ICU stay.ConclusionUltrasound-guided bilateral ESPB with bupivacaine provides efficient postoperative analgesia and reduces postoperative morphine consumption at 24 h in children undergoing cardiac surgery.     

Pectoserratus plane block versus erector spinae plane block for postoperative opioid consumption and acute and chronic pain after breast cancer surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveBreast cancer is quite common in women, and surgery is the most effective treatment in most cases. This study compared the effects of ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and pectoserratus plane block (PSPB) on the postoperative opioid consumption and acute and chronic pain in patients after breast cancer surgery.DesignProspective, randomized, single-blind.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsThis study included 90 patients (ASA I-II) who underwent segmental mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy at the hospital of Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun.InterventionsThe patients were divided into the ESPB group, PSPB group, and control group. Intraoperatively, all patients were administered intravenous tenoxicam (20 mg) and paracetamol (1 g) as part of multimodal analgesia. Intravenous morphine via patient-controlled analgesia was administered in all groups postoperatively.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the total morphine consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included visual analog scale pain scores of the arm at rest and at abduction in the first 24 h and at 3 months postoperatively, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, number of patients requesting rescue analgesia, incidence of nausea and vomiting, time to the first request for analgesia via patient-controlled analgesia.Main resultsPostoperative 24-h morphine consumption, visual analog scale scores at rest and at abduction, and intraoperative remifentanil consumption were lower in the ESPB and PSPB groups than in the control group. Time to the first request for analgesia via patient controlled analgesia was longer in the ESPB and PSPB groups than in the control group. In the PSPB group, none of the patients needed rescue analgesia.ConclusionsUS-guided ESPB and PSPB performed in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery showed similar and modest analgesic effects on the postoperative opioid consumption and acute and chronic pain scores.     

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia: Postoperative pain management after Nuss repair for pectus excavatum

Aim of the StudyPostoperative pain management is a significant challenge in patients undergoing Nuss repair for pectus excavatum chest wall deformity. Therapeutic anesthetic options primarily include patient-controlled intravenous analgesia, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), and cryoanalgesia. However, TEA is limited to inpatient use and both TEA and cryoanalgesia can result in neurologic injury. The novel technique of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane regional analgesia has been used recently in our patients undergoing the Nuss repair and has shown impressive pain relief, but without the potential complications of other modalities. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) postoperative pain management outcomes were studied as compared to TEA.MethodsThirty consecutive patients with severe pectus excavatum undergoing Nuss repair and placement of ultrasound-guided ESPB were each paired to a historical cohort control patient with TEA postoperative pain management. The cohort patient match was defined by age (± 2 years), gender, and CT pectus index (± 15%). Study variables included hospital length of stay (LOS), pain scores, and pain medication usage.ResultsPain scores as measured by area under the curve per hour (Day 1: 2.72 (SD = 1.37) vs. 3.90 (SD = 1.81), P = 0.006; Day 2: 2.83 (SD = 1.32) vs. 3.97 (SD = 1.82), P = 0.007) and oral morphine equivalent (OME) pain medication usage (Day 1: 11.9 (SD = 4.9) vs 56.0 (SD = 32.2), P < 0.001; Day 2: 14.7 (SD = 7.1) vs. 38.0 (SD = 21.7), P < 0.001) were higher for the first two postoperative days in the ESPB group. However, mean hospital LOS was nearly one day shorter for ESPB patients (3.78 (SD = 0.82) vs. 2.90 (SD = 0.87), P < 0.001) who were discharged home with the catheter in place until removal, typically at 5–7 days postoperatively.ConclusionUltrasound-guided ESPB is thus a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to TEA in postoperative pain management after Nuss repair and results in decreased hospital stay.Level of evidenceIII     

竖脊肌平面阻滞对腰椎后路手术患者术后早期康复的影响

目的评价超声引导下竖脊肌平面阻滞(erector spine plane block,ESPB)对腰椎后路手术患者术后早期康复的影响。方法择期全麻下行腰椎手术的患者65例,年龄45~65岁,性别不限,ASA分级I或Ⅱ级,体质量指数(BMI)18.5~28.0 kg/m 2,采用随机数字表法分为超声引导竖脊肌平面阻滞组(ESPB组,32例)和对照组(GA组,33例)。2组均采用静-吸复合麻醉,术后采用舒芬太尼行静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)。ESPB组全麻诱导前于俯卧位行竖脊肌平面阻滞。当VAS评分≥4分时,肌内注射曲马多补救镇痛。分别于术前1 d,术后第1天、2天时,采用QoR-15量表评估患者恢复质量。记录术后1 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h的VAS评分,术后48 h内PCIA舒芬太尼用量、补救镇痛情况和恶心及呕吐发生情况。结果与GA组相比,ESPB组术后第1天、2天时QoR-15评分升高,术后1 h、6 h和12 h VAS评分降低,PCIA舒芬太尼用量减少,补救镇痛率和术后恶心呕吐发生率降低。以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论超声引导竖脊肌平面阻滞可促进腰椎后路手术患者术后早期康复。     

Effect of combined erector-spinae plane blocks on the immediate postoperative neuronal and stress biomarkers after thoracoscopic radical resection for lung cancers

BackgroundThis study evaluates the impact of general anesthesia combined with erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) on patients who underwent thoracoscopic radical resection (TRR) for lung cancer.MethodsThere involved a total of 108 patients undergoing TRR for lung cancers. Patients enrolled were equally allocated into experimental group (general anesthesia combined with ESPB) and control group (general anesthesia). The following parameters, including baseline characteristics, serum markers of neurological disorders, postoperative pain degree, dosage of narcotic, adverse events and early postoperative rehabilitation quality, were compared between the two groups.ResultsBased on Visual Analogue Scale, the postoperative pain degree was significantly lower in experimental group on 6h postoperative (P<0.001). And markedly lower results were observed in the levels of serum markers of neurological disorders in the experimental group one day after surgery (all P<0.05). Moreover, the dosage of narcotic and early postoperative rehabilitation quality based on QoR-40 scale were significantly lower in experimental group (all P<0.05).ConclusionAdding ESPB with general anesthesia reduce the postoperative pain up to 6 h, reduce the requirement of postoperative narcotic and help early postoperative rehabilitation quality.     

A randomised controlled trial of the non-inferiority of erector spinae plane block vs. thoracic paravertebral block for laparoscopic nephro-ureterectomy

Erector spinae plane block and paravertebral block can provide analgesia for abdominal surgery. It is unclear whether erector spinae block is inferior to paravertebral block. We aimed to determine whether sufentanil dose and pain intensity (11-point scale) to 24 h after erector spinae block exceeded those after paravertebral block by no more than 5 μg and 1 point, respectively. We randomly allocated 166 adults to 0.4 ml.kg⁻¹ ropivacaine 0.375% before scheduled laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, 83 each to erector spinae or paravertebral injection. We measured incision pain and intra-abdominal pain at rest and on movement 0.5 h, 2 h, 6 h, 18 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery. Median (IQR [range]) cumulative sufentanil dose after erector spinae block was 15 (5–30 [0–105]) μg vs. 20 (10–50 [0–145]) μg after paravertebral block, median (95%CI) difference 5 μg (0–10), erector spinae non-inferiority p < 0.001. Median (IQR [range]) pain were 1.5 (1.0–2.0 [0.0–5.3]) after erector spinae block vs. 2.0 (1.0–2.5 [0.0–6.0]) after paravertebral block, median (95% CI) difference 0.3 (0.0–0.5), erector spinae non-inferiority p < 0.001. Adverse events did not differ between groups. Erector spinae block analgesia was not inferior to paravertebral block analgesia after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.     

Perioperative analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block in posterior cervical spine surgery—a double blinded,randomized controlled study

Background contentPosterior cervical spine surgery (PCSS) are typically open surgeries and entail significant postoperative pain. Current perioperative pain management in PCSS is reliant on multimodal analgesia. While perioperative epidural anesthetic infusion can be used in lumbar surgeries, this is not an option in the cervical spine. Pre-emptive regional analgesia through erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has shown significant perioperative analgesic benefits in lumbar spine surgeries. There are no such clinical studies in PCSS.PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided ESPB for perioperative analgesia in PCSS.Study designProspective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study.Patient sampleEighty-six patients requiring sub-axial PCSS with or without instrumentation were randomized into two groups, those who underwent ESPB with multimodal analgesia (case) and those with only multimodal analgesia (control).Outcome measuresDemographic and surgical data (blood loss, duration of surgery, perioperative total opioid consumption, muscle relaxants used) were assessed. Postoperatively, the surgical site pain, alertness scale, satisfaction score, time to mobilization and complications were recorded.MethodsAfter anesthesia and prone position, case patients received ultrasound-guided ESPB at the T1 level using 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 8 mg Dexamethasone bilaterally while the control patients received only standard postoperative multimodal analgesia.ResultsThere were 43 patients in each group; the two groups were identical in demographic and surgical profile. The intraoperative opioid consumption (119.53±40.35 vs. 308.6±189.78; p<.001) in mcg), muscle relaxant usage (50.00±0.00 mg vs. 59.53±3.75 mg, p<.001), surgical duration (124.77±26.63/ 156.74±37.01 min; p<.01) and intraoperative blood loss (310.47±130.73 ml vs. 429.77±148.50 ml; p<.05) were significantly less in the ESPB group. In the postoperative period, the control group's pain score was significantly higher (p<.001). The Modified Observer Alertness/Sedation Score (MOASS) score and satisfaction scores also showed significant differences between the case and control groups (p<.001). The mean time required to ambulate (sitting/walking) was statistically less in cases (15.81±6.15/20.72±4.02 h) when compared to controls (16.86±6.18/ 23.05±8.88 h; p<.001).ConclusionIn patients undergoing PCSS, ESPB is a safe and effective technique with better outcomes than standard multimodal analgesia alone, in terms of reduced intraoperative opioid requirements and blood loss, better postoperative analgesia and early mobilization.     

Erector spinae plane block vs. peri-articular injection for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomised controlled trial

Interscalene brachial plexus block is the standard regional analgesic technique for shoulder surgery. Given its adverse effects, alternative techniques have been explored. Reports suggest that the erector spinae plane block may potentially provide effective analgesia following shoulder surgery. However, its analgesic efficacy for shoulder surgery compared with placebo or local anaesthetic infiltration has never been established. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the analgesic efficacy of pre-operative T2 erector spinae plane block with peri-articular infiltration at the end of surgery. Sixty-two patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder repair were randomly assigned to receive active erector spinae plane block with saline peri-articular injection (n = 31) or active peri-articular injection with saline erector spinae plane block (n = 31) in a blinded double-dummy design. Primary outcome was resting pain score in recovery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores with movement; opioid use; patient satisfaction; adverse effects in hospital; and outcomes at 24 h and 1 month. There was no difference in pain scores in recovery, with a median difference (95%CI) of 0.6 (−1.9–3.1), p = 0.65. Median postoperative oral morphine equivalent utilisation was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane group (21 mg vs. 12 mg; p = 0.028). Itching was observed in 10% of patients who received erector spinae plane block and there was no difference in the incidence of significant nausea and vomiting. Patient satisfaction scores, and pain scores and opioid use at 24 h were similar. At 1 month, six (peri-articular injection) and eight (erector spinae plane block) patients reported persistent pain. Erector spinae plane block was not superior to peri-articular injection for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.