Evaluation of Analgesic Effectiveness of Continuous Erector Spina Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is performed by injection of local anesthetic deep into the erector spinae muscle. It is a relatively simple and safe technique for pain management. It has been started to be widely used in pain relief. This randomized, controlled study aimed to report continue comparing the effectiveness of ESPB and intercostal block applications in thoracic surgery. METHODS: Forty patients who were scheduled to undergo elective thoracotomy and Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) were included in the study. Patients in first group underwent erector spinae plane block. In the second group intercostal block(ICB) was applied. Static, and dynamic Pain scores in the ESPB group were lower than the ICB group in the early postoperative period. In the postoperative period, the time to the first analgesic requirement was longer in the ESPB group. RESULTS: The difference between the groups in terms of time to the first analgesia requirement was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no difference in the number of doses of tramadol hydrochloride and dexketoprofen used. It was found that the static VAS value was higher in the ICB group in all time periods except the second hour and this difference was statistically significant. It was determined that dynamic VAS values; in all time periods, were higher in the ICB group than the ESPB group. Dynamic VAS values were found to be statistically significantly higher in the ICB group from the 3rd up to the 24th hour. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: ESPB performed in thoracic surgery is very effective for postoperative analgesia plan. Few complications were also noted.