Epidural-Like Effects With Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Catheters After Abdominal Surgery

External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Port-Site Infiltration for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain is common. A novel block, the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block, can be used as part of multimodal analgesia for upper abdominal surgeries. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of EOI block in patients undergoing LSG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients were assigned into two groups either EOI or port-site infiltration (PSI). The EOI group received ultrasound-guided 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, while the PSI group received 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at each port sites by the surgeon. Data on clinical and demographic were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in terms of demographic details (p > 0.05). VAS scores were statistically lower during resting at PACU, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05), The VAS scores were also lower during active movement at PACU, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05). Twenty-four-hour fentanyl consumption was lower in the EOI than in the PSI group (505.83 ± 178.56 vs. 880.83 ± 256.78 μg, respectively, p < 0.001). Rescue analgesia was higher in PSI group than EOI group (26/30 vs. 14/30, respectively, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

EOI block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia due to its simplicity and effective postoperative analgesia in LSG.

Efficacy of the Erector Spinae Plane Block for Quality of Recovery in Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management after bariatric surgery is difficult due to different physiological properties and high sensitivity toward opioids in patients with obesity. It has been reported that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) contributes to postoperative analgesia when applied together with multimodal analgesia.

METHODS

Eighty patients were randomized either bilateral ESPB (group E) each side or no block (group C). Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of ESPB on the quality of recovery 24 h postoperatively in bariatric surgery by using 40-item Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire. Postoperative pain assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS), time of additional analgesic requirement, analgesic consumption, side effects, sedation, mobilization time, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Postoperative mean QoR-40 scores were found to be higher in group E (175.02 ± 11.25) than in group C (167.78 ± 18.59) at the postoperative 24th hour (P < 0.05). Pain scores at rest and during movement were higher in group C than in group E. At the postoperative 24th hour, NRS mean SD scores at rest for group C and group E were 3.25 ± 1.32 and 2.40 ± 0.96, respectively. NRS mean SD scores during movement for groups C and E were 3.88 ± 1.49 and 3.12 ± 1.30, respectively. The total amount of tramadol consumed in the first 24 h in group C and group E were mean SD: 86.40 ± 69.60 and 40.00 ± 46.96, respectively; P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

ESPB improved postoperative quality of recovery, reduced NRS scores, and total analgesic consumption in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05020379.

Nociception Control of Bilateral Single-Shot Erector Spinae Plane Block Compared to No Block in Open Heart Surgery-A Post Hoc Analysis of the NESP Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is an analgesic adjunct demonstrated to reduce intraoperative opioid consumption within a Nociception Level (NOL) index-directed anesthetic protocol. We aimed to examine the ESPB effect on the quality of intraoperative nociception control evaluated with the NOL index. Materials and Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of the NESP (Nociception Level Index-Directed Erector Spinae Plane Block in Open Heart Surgery) randomized controlled trial. Eighty-five adult patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were allocated to group 1 (Control, n = 43) and group 2 (ESPB, n = 42). Both groups received general anesthesia. Preoperatively, group 2 received bilateral single-shot ESPB (1.5 mg/kg/side 0.5% ropivacaine mixed with dexamethasone 8 mg/20 mL). Until cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was initiated, fentanyl administration was individualized using the NOL index. The NOL index was compared at five time points: pre-incision (T1), post-incision (T2), pre-sternotomy (T3), post-sternotomy (T4), and pre-CPB (T5). On a scale from 0 (no nociception) to 100 (extreme nociception), a NOL index > 25 was considered an inadequate response to noxious stimuli. Results: The average NOL index across the five time points in group 2 to group 1 was 12.78 ± 0.8 vs. 24.18 ± 0.79 (p < 0.001). The NOL index was significantly lower in the ESPB-to-Control group at T2 (12.95 ± 1.49 vs. 35.97 ± 1.47), T3 (13.28 ± 1.49 vs. 24.44 ± 1.47), and T4 (15.52 ± 1.49 vs. 34.39 ± 1.47) (p < 0.001) but not at T1 and T5. Compared to controls, significantly fewer ESPB patients reached a NOL index > 25 at T2 (4.7% vs. 79%), T3 (0% vs. 37.2%), and T4 (7.1% vs. 79%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The addition of bilateral single-shot ESPB to general anesthesia during cardiac surgery improved the quality of intraoperative nociception control according to a NOL index-based evaluation.

Anatomical classification and clinical application of thoracic paraspinal blocks

Various techniques for regional anesthesia and analgesia of the thorax are currently being used in clinical practice. A recent international consensus has anatomically classified paraspinal blocks in the thoracic spinal region into the following four types: paravertebral, retrolaminar, erector spinae plane, and intertransverse process blocks. These blocks have different anatomical targets; thus, the spreading patterns of the injectates differ and can consequently exhibit different neural blockade characteristics. The paravertebral block directly targets the paravertebral space just outside the neuraxial region and has an analgesic efficacy comparable to that of the epidural block; however, there are multiple potential risks associated with this technique. Retrolaminar and erector spinae plane blocks target the erector spinae plane on the vertebral lamina and transverse process, respectively. In anatomical studies, these two blocks showed different injectate spreading patterns to the back muscles and the fascial plane. In cadaveric studies, paravertebral spread was identified, but variable. However, numerous clinical reports have shown paravertebral spread with erector spinae plane blocks. Both techniques have been found to reduce postoperative pain compared to controls; however, the results have been more inconsistent than with the paravertebral block. Finally, the intertransverse process block targets the tissue complex posterior to the superior costotransverse ligament. Anatomical studies have revealed that this block has pathways that are more direct and closer to the paravertebral space than the retrolaminar and erector spinae plane blocks. Cadaveric evaluations have consistently shown promising results; however, further clinical studies using this technique are needed to confirm these anatomical findings.

Parascapular Sub-Iliocostalis Plane Block: Comparative Description of a Novel Technique for Posterior Rib Fractures

We describe a new analgesic technique, parascapular sub-iliocostalis plane block (PSIP), for lateral-posterior rib fractures as an alternative to other regional techniques in a high-risk patient who suffered a decompensation of her cardiorespiratory function after posterior chest trauma. We performed a continuous ultrasound-guided left PSIP block in the sub-iliocostalis plane next to the fourth rib to optimize analgesia and minimize complications. The patient had total pain relief with marked improvement in her cardiorespiratory condition. No complications were reported. The efficacy of the PSIP block may potentially depend on different mechanisms of action: (1) direct action in the fracture site by craniocaudal myofascial spread underneath the erector spinae muscle (ESM); (2) spread to deep layers through tissue disruption caused by trauma, to reach the proximal intercostal nerves; (3) further medial spread through deeper layers to the midline to block the posterior and ventral spinal nerves; (4) medial spread below the ESM, to reach the posterior spinal nerves (more reliably than rhomboid intercostal / sub-serratus [RISS] block); and (5) lateral spread in the sub-serratus (SS) plane to reach the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves; while avoiding significant negative hemodynamic effects associated with techniques such as the paravertebral block (PVB), erector spinae plane (ESP) block or its variations, or thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). A comparative comprehensive overview of the regional techniques described for posterior chest trauma is presented, including TEA, PVB, ESP block, retrolaminar block, mid-point to transverse process block, costotransverse foramen block, RISS, and serratus anterior plane (SAP) block.

Lumbosacral paraspinal interfascial plane blocks for pain control after feminizing genital gender affirmation surgery

Aim: Feminizing genital gender affirmation surgery (fgGAS) is increasing in prevalence in the USA. Management of postoperative pain following fgGAS is challenging. We report a series of patients where post-fgGAS pain was adequately controlled with paraspinal blocks. Materials & methods: This is a case series of three patients who received bilateral lumbar and sacral erector spinae plane blocks after fgGAS. Block techniques, medications administered, opioid requirements and pain scores were reviewed. Results: Erector spinae plane blocks provided adequate analgesia for 24-48 h following the block. Conclusion: Currently, there are two regional anesthetic techniques described for the treatment of postoperative pain after fgGAS. We describe two additional approaches as options for improved pain management in this patient population.