Evaluation of efficacy of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Objective: The objective is to assess the clinical efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Material and methods: This prospective, interventional, quasi-randomized single-blind study was approved by institutional ethical committee. Total 82 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were allocated into two groups, ESPB and control group. Postoperatively, the total tramadol consumption in 24 hours, the visual analogue scale (VAS) at various time intervals and time to rescue analgesia in both groups were monitored.

Results: The requirement of tramadol in first 24 hours was significantly more in controls as compared to cases (p=0.005). The mean VAS at rest, coughing and at movement was significantly lower in the immediate period, at 2nd hour and 4th hour after being shifted to post-operative area, in case group as compared to control. The time to rescue analgesia was statistically significantly more in ESPB group (p=0.002).

Conclusion: ESPB for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective technique of multimodal analgesia which provides better pain relief, reduced opioid requirement, lower post-operative pain scores, reduced total post-operative analgesic consumption along with prolonged time to rescue analgesia.