Effect of Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Acute pain after cesarean section (CS) can affect the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) under spinal anaesthesia on postoperative pain, analgesic usage, and patient satisfaction in elective CS.

Methods: A total of 116 ASA II females aged 18-45 years who had elective CS were included in this prospective randomized study. Adjusted for the patient's height and weight, 0.5% bupivacaine and 12.5 μg fentanyl were administered for spinal anaesthesia. In the ESPB group, ultrasonography-guided ESPB with 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine+10 mL saline was applied bilaterally at the T12 vertebrae level at the end of the surgery. Postoperative analgesia was planned with diclofenac and paracetamol. Patients' satisfaction, analgesic usage, rest, movement, cough, and low back pain were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at postoperative hours 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24. The extent of the sensory block level of ESPB was evaluated after the spinal anaesthesia had worn off.

Results: The analysis included 49 patients in the ESPB group and 50 in the control group with comparable demographics. Rest, movement, and cough VAS scores were substantially lower at the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, and 12^th h in the ESPB group, and satisfaction was better. Total analgesic consumption and the need for rescue analgesics were higher in the control group. VAS scores and ESPB spread levels are negatively correlated.

Conclusion: As a safe component of multimodal analgesia following CS, bilateral ESPB can be effectively performed.