Ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block versus intrathecal morphine for analgesia following major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery

Background Intrathecal morphine (ITM) has been evidenced to provide efficient analgesia for hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery (HPB) in the postoperative period. Despite its benefits, ITM carries certain risks, such as pruritus, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and of utmost importance, the possibility of delayed respiratory depression. We conducted this study to compare the effectiveness of bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and ITM for analgesia following major HPB surgery. Our hypothesis was that bilateral ESPB would lead to a significant reduction in opioid consumption within the first 24 hours following surgery, with a lower incidence of side effects.