Erector Spinae Plane Block

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Point This meta-analysis found that for laparoscopic surgeries, an erector spinae plane block significantly reduces 24-hour postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption compared to a transversus abdominis plane block. drafted by llm kept
Abstract, in full

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel analgesic technique that can reduce post-operative pain and postoperative opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on November 17th, 2023 for clinical trials comparing ESPB with other analgesic techniques or placebo for laparoscopic surgeries. We meta-analyzed post-operative pain at rest, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesic request, and postoperative nausea and vomiting using a random effects model. ESPB significantly reduced opioid consumption compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.837, (-2.331, -1.343),&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and also compared to transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.351, (-1.815, -0.887),&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) but not quadratus lumborum plane block (QLB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 0.022, (-0.241, 0.286), 0.869). ESPB also significantly reduced participant-reported pain scores at rest at 24h post-operation compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.612, (-0.797, -0.428),&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and TAPB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.465, (-0.767, -0.162),&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), however, there was a significant increase in pain score compared to QLB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 1.025, 0.156, 1.894), 0.021). A statistically significant increase in time to first rescue analgesic in ESPB groups compared to placebo and TAPB groups was observed in our meta-analysis. There was a lower post-operative nausea and vomiting rate in the ESPB groups compared to placebo groups, yet a comparable rate with QLB and TAPB groups was observed in the meta-analysis. ESPB is an effective and safe analgesic technique for managing post-operative pain and opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries compared to placebo, reducing postoperative nausea or vomiting as well. Compared to other techniques, ESPB has a similar efficacy to QLB,&#xa0;except for the pain score at 24 h post-operation, but appears to be superior to TAPB as an analgesic technique in laparoscopic surgeries, with a similar safety profile. Prospero registration ID: CRD42024508363. Link: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails.

Erector spinae plane block for laparoscopic surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis · PMID 39472781
Point This randomized trial found that for patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic surgery, surgical intercostal nerve blocks with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine reduced 12-hour morphine consumption and systemic local anesthetic absorption compared to erector spinae plane blocks. drafted by llm kept
Abstract, in full

Although intercostal nerve blocks are sometimes approached with caution due to concerns about potentially high local anesthetic uptake, they remain a valuable tool in specific clinical situations. On the other hand, the erector spinae plane block is currently often favored for its broader coverage and versatility. The hypothesis was that the intercostal nerve block, applied directly by surgeons under direct vision in patients undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, might offer superior analgesia and fewer complications compared to the erector spinae plane block. In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, 100 patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic surgery (wedge excision or lobectomy) within an enhanced recovery program received either a surgical intercostal nerve block under thoracoscopic guidance or an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, followed by 30&#x2009;ml ropivacaine 0.5% (n = 50) or saline (n = 50). The primary outcome measured was 12-h morphine consumption postextubation. Secondary outcomes included 24-h morphine use, pain severity, rescue analgesia need, postoperative complications, and length of stay. Plasma levels of local anesthetics were also assessed. The intercostal nerve block group had significantly lower mean 12-h morphine consumption compared to the erector spinae plane block group (10.9&#x2009;mg vs . 17.6&#x2009;mg; P = 0.0015), as well as lower mean 24-h consumption (18.7&#x2009;mg vs . 26.7&#x2009;mg; P = 0.018). Intercostal blocks also led to lower pain scores in the first 2&#x2009;h postoperatively and a reduced need for rescue analgesia (16% vs . 40%; P = 0.0033). No differences were found in patient satisfaction, complications, or length of stay. Notably, the erector spinae plane block group showed higher systemic absorption of local anesthetics. For uniportal thoracoscopic surgery, intercostal nerve block significantly reduces morphine consumption and systemic anesthetic absorption compared to erector spinae plane block.

Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Uniportal Videoscopic-assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Prospective Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial · PMID 40537064
Point This narrative review includes the erector spinae plane block among the regional analgesic techniques reviewed for rib fracture management as part of a broadly recommended multimodal analgesia approach aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. drafted by llm kept
Abstract, in full

Rib fracture(s) is a common and painful injury often associated with significant morbidity (e.g., respiratory complications) and high mortality rates, especially in the elderly. Risk stratification and prompt implementation of analgesic pathways using a multimodal analgesia approach comprise a primary endpoint of care to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with rib fractures. This narrative review aims to describe the most recent evidence and care pathways currently available, including risk stratification tools and pharmacologic and regional analgesic blocks frequently used as part of the broadly recommended multimodal analgesic approach. Available literature was searched using PubMed and Embase databases for each topic addressed herein and reviewed by content experts. Four risk stratification tools were identified, with the Study of the Management of Blunt Chest Wall Trauma score as most predictive. Current evidence on pharmacologic (i.e., acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, ketamine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine) and regional analgesia (i.e., thoracic epidural analgesia, thoracic paravertebral block, erector spinae plane block, and serratus anterior plane block) techniques was reviewed, as was the pathophysiology of rib fracture(s) and its associated complications, including the development of chronic pain and disabilities. Rib fracture(s) continues to be a serious diagnosis, with high rates of mortality, development of chronic pain, and disability. A multidisciplinary approach to management, combined with appropriate analgesia and adherence to care bundles/protocols, has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. Most of the risk-stratifying care pathways identified perform poorly in predicting mortality and complications after rib fracture(s). R&#xe9;SUM&#xe9;: OBJECTIF: Les fractures des c&#xf4;tes sont des blessures courantes et douloureuses souvent associ&#xe9;es &#xe0; une morbidit&#xe9; importante (p. ex., complications respiratoires) et &#xe0; des taux de mortalit&#xe9; &#xe9;lev&#xe9;s, surtout chez les personnes &#xe2;g&#xe9;es. La stratification des risques et la mise en &#x153;uvre rapide de voies analg&#xe9;siques &#xe0; l&#x2019;aide d&#x2019;une approche d&#x2019;analg&#xe9;sie multimodale constituent un crit&#xe8;re d&#x2019;&#xe9;valuation principal des soins visant &#xe0; r&#xe9;duire la morbidit&#xe9; et la mortalit&#xe9; associ&#xe9;es aux fractures des c&#xf4;tes. Ce compte rendu narratif a pour objectif de d&#xe9;crire les donn&#xe9;es probantes les plus r&#xe9;centes et les parcours de soins actuellement disponibles, y compris les outils de stratification des risques et les blocs analg&#xe9;siques pharmacologiques et r&#xe9;gionaux fr&#xe9;quemment utilis&#xe9;s dans le cadre de l&#x2019;approche analg&#xe9;sique multimodale largement recommand&#xe9;e. La litt&#xe9;rature disponible a &#xe9;t&#xe9; recherch&#xe9;e &#xe0; l&#x2019;aide des bases de donn&#xe9;es PubMed et Embase pour chaque sujet abord&#xe9; dans le pr&#xe9;sent compte rendu et examin&#xe9;e par des expert&#xb7;es en contenu. Quatre outils de stratification des risques ont &#xe9;t&#xe9; identifi&#xe9;s, le score de l&#x2019;&#xc9;tude de la prise en charge des traumatismes contondants de la paroi thoracique (Study of the Management of Blunt Chest Wall Trauma) &#xe9;tant le plus pr&#xe9;dictif. Les donn&#xe9;es probantes actuelles sur les techniques d&#x2019;analg&#xe9;sie pharmacologiques (c.-&#xe0;-d. ac&#xe9;taminoph&#xe8;ne, anti-inflammatoires non st&#xe9;ro&#xef;diens, gabapentino&#xef;des, k&#xe9;tamine, lidoca&#xef;ne et dexm&#xe9;d&#xe9;tomidine) et d&#x2019;analg&#xe9;sie r&#xe9;gionale (c.-&#xe0;-d. analg&#xe9;sie p&#xe9;ridurale thoracique, bloc paravert&#xe9;bral thoracique, bloc du plan des muscles &#xe9;recteurs du rachis et bloc du plan du muscle grand dentel&#xe9;) ont &#xe9;t&#xe9; examin&#xe9;es, de m&#xea;me que la physiopathologie de la ou des fractures des c&#xf4;tes et de leurs complications associ&#xe9;es, y compris l&#x2019;apparition de douleurs chroniques et d&#x2019;incapacit&#xe9;s. Les fractures des c&#xf4;tes continuent d&#x2019;&#xea;tre un diagnostic grave, avec des taux &#xe9;lev&#xe9;s de mortalit&#xe9;, de d&#xe9;veloppement de douleurs chroniques et d&#x2019;invalidit&#xe9;. Il a &#xe9;t&#xe9; d&#xe9;montr&#xe9; qu&#x2019;une approche multidisciplinaire de la prise en charge, combin&#xe9;e &#xe0; une analg&#xe9;sie appropri&#xe9;e et &#xe0; l&#x2019;adh&#xe9;sion aux ensembles et protocoles de soins, r&#xe9;duit la morbidit&#xe9; et la mortalit&#xe9;. La plupart des parcours de soins de stratification des risques identifi&#xe9;s sont peu performants pour pr&#xe9;dire la mortalit&#xe9; et les complications apr&#xe8;s une ou plusieurs fractures de c&#xf4;tes.

Analgesia for rib fractures: a narrative review · PMID 38459368
Point This randomized controlled trial found that for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection, intercostal nerve block can be used interchangeably with erector spinae plane block for multimodal analgesia, as the 24-hour quality of recovery difference was not significant after Bonferroni correction. drafted by llm kept
Abstract, in full

Multimodal analgesic strategy is pivotal for enhanced recovery after surgery. The objective of this trial was to assess the effect of subanesthetic esketamine vs. placebo combined with erector spinae plane block (ESPB) vs. intercostal nerve block (ICNB) on postoperative recovery following thoracoscopic lung resection. This randomized, controlled, 2&#xd7;2 factorial trial was conducted at a university hospital in Suzhou, China. One hundred adult patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized to one of four groups (esketamine-ESPB, esketamine-ICNB, placebo-ESPB, and placebo-ICNB) to receive i.v. esketamine 0.3&#xa0;mg/kg or normal saline placebo combined with ESPB or ICNB using 0.375% ropivacaine 20&#xa0;ml. All patients received flurbiprofen axetil and patient-controlled fentanyl. The primary outcome was quality of recovery (QoR) at 24&#xa0;h postoperatively, assessed using the QoR-15 scale, with a minimal clinically important difference of 6.0. The median age was 57 years and 52% were female. No significant interaction effect was found between esketamine and regional blocks on QoR ( P =0.215). The QoR-15 score at 24&#xa0;h was 111.5&#xb1;5.8 in the esketamine group vs. 105.4&#xb1;4.5 in the placebo group (difference=6.1, 95% CI: 4.0-8.1; P <0.001); 109.7&#xb1;6.2 in the ESPB group vs. 107.2&#xb1;5.6 in the ICNB group (difference=2.5, 95% CI: 0.2-4.9; P =0.033; not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction). Additionally, esketamine resulted in higher QoR-15 scores at 48&#xa0;h (difference=4.6) and hospital discharge (difference=1.6), while ESPB led to a higher QoR-15 score at 48&#xa0;h (difference=3.0). For patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection, subanesthetic esketamine improved QoR after surgery, while ICNB can be used interchangeably with ESPB as a component of multimodal analgesia.

Esketamine vs. placebo combined with erector spinae plane block vs. intercostal nerve block on quality of recovery following thoracoscopic lung resection: a randomized controlled factorial trial · PMID 39172717
Point This review identifies erector spinae nerve blocks as one of the commonly performed interventional procedures that, when combined with physical therapy and pharmacologic interventions, can help manage post-mastectomy pain syndrome, which affects 25-60% of breast surgery patients. drafted by llm kept
Abstract, in full

Breast cancer is currently the most prevalent cancer diagnosed globally, and there is a significant gap in the availability of effective first-line treatment options. In addition to a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer patients face additional pain and morbidity after treatment. Radiation fibrosis, muscle spasms, muscle pain, neuropathy, and limited shoulder function are all potential side effects of breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome affects 25-60% of people after breast surgery. The current review moves forward to explain interventional pain management options that can be used to supplement conservative measures (physical therapy, medication, topical ointments) to help these patients. There are many new interventional procedures to treat chest wall pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity after breast surgery. Currently, the most commonly performed procedures are botulinum toxin injections, serratus anterior plane blocks, intercostobrachial nerve blocks, thoracic paravertebral nerve blocks, pectoralis nerve blocks, and erector spinae nerve blocks. Utilizing one of these interventional procedures, along with physical therapy and pharmacologic interventions, can help manage post-mastectomy pain syndrome in the millions of breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated every year.

Interventional Treatment Options for Post-mastectomy Pain · PMID 37646901
Point This PROSPECT guideline recommends reserving the erector spinae plane block as a second-line regional technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients with a heightened risk of postoperative pain. drafted by llm dropped · PMID check failed: pubmed 429 for https://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/esummary.fcgi?db=pubmed&id=39129451&retmode=json&tool=intraop-teaching
Abstract, in full

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be associated with significant postoperative pain that is difficult to treat. We aimed to evaluate the available literature and develop updated recommendations for optimal pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A systematic review was performed using the procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published in the English language from August 2017 to December 2022 assessing postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Databases. From 589 full text articles, 157 randomised controlled trials and 31 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Paracetamol combined with NSAIDs or cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors should be given either pre-operatively or intra-operatively, unless contraindicated. In addition, intra-operative intravenous (i.v.) dexamethasone, port-site wound infiltration or intraperitoneal local anaesthetic instillation are recommended, with opioids used for rescue analgesia. As a second-line regional technique, the erector spinae plane block or transversus abdominis plane block may be reserved for patients with a heightened risk of postoperative pain. Three-port laparoscopy, a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, umbilical port extraction, active aspiration of the pneumoperitoneum and saline irrigation are recommended technical aspects of the operative procedure. The following interventions are not recommended due to limited or no evidence on improved pain scores: single port or mini-port techniques, routine drainage, low flow insufflation, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), infra-umbilical incision, i.v. clonidine, nefopam and regional techniques such as quadratus lumborum block or rectus sheath block. Several interventions provided better pain scores but are not recommended due to risk of side effects: spinal or epidural anaesthesia, gabapentinoids, i.v. lidocaine, i.v. ketamine and i.v. dexmedetomidine.

Pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) recommendations · PMID 39129451

Approving is you asserting each sentence on the left says what the text on the right says. Where a conclusion could not be identified the whole abstract is shown.

Before induction

This meta-analysis found that for laparoscopic surgeries, an erector spinae plane block significantly reduces 24-hour postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption compared to a transversus abdominis plane block.
This randomized trial found that for patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic surgery, surgical intercostal nerve blocks with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine reduced 12-hour morphine consumption and systemic local anesthetic absorption compared to erector spinae plane blocks.
This narrative review includes the erector spinae plane block among the regional analgesic techniques reviewed for rib fracture management as part of a broadly recommended multimodal analgesia approach aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality.
This randomized controlled trial found that for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection, intercostal nerve block can be used interchangeably with erector spinae plane block for multimodal analgesia, as the 24-hour quality of recovery difference was not significant after Bonferroni correction.
This review identifies erector spinae nerve blocks as one of the commonly performed interventional procedures that, when combined with physical therapy and pharmacologic interventions, can help manage post-mastectomy pain syndrome, which affects 25-60% of breast surgery patients.

Questions in the room

How does your plan change if the patient is not optimised?
What is the physiology behind what we just did?
Talk me through the trade-off you made there.
What would make you abandon this plan and do something else?

Sources

Erector spinae plane block for laparoscopic surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis, BMC anesthesiology 2024 PMID 39472781
Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Uniportal Videoscopic-assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Prospective Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial, Anesthesiology 2025 PMID 40537064
Analgesia for rib fractures: a narrative review, Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie 2024 PMID 38459368
Esketamine vs. placebo combined with erector spinae plane block vs. intercostal nerve block on quality of recovery following thoracoscopic lung resection: a randomized controlled factorial trial, International journal of surgery (London, England) 2025 PMID 39172717
Interventional Treatment Options for Post-mastectomy Pain, Current oncology reports 2023 PMID 37646901
PROSPECT guidelines for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, Anaesthesia 2022 PMID 34739134
ESP block for spine surgery meta-analysis, Eur Spine J 2021 PMID 33983515
ESP block in cardiac surgery meta-analysis, Ann Card Anaesth 2023 PMID 37470522
ESP block for rib fractures in the emergency department, CJEM 2022 PMID 34669173
Local anesthetic dosing for fascial plane blocks, Can J Anaesth 2025 PMID 40954415
ESP versus paravertebral block for breast surgery RCT, Br J Anaesth 2025 PMID 40707285
ASRA antithrombotic guidelines, 5th edition, Reg Anesth Pain Med 2025 PMID 39880411
ESP versus paravertebral catheter after VATS RCT, Br J Anaesth 2023 PMID 36109206
Plasma levobupivacaine after ESP block RCT, BMC Anesthesiol 2022 PMID 35350983

1 draft point(s) were dropped because no citation resolved.

Figure — look before approving

Gray's plate of the deep muscles of the back seen from behind, with the erector spinae group — iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis — highlighted as a continuous column running from the sacrum and iliac crest to the occiput over the transverse processes and ribs, with multifidus and semispinalis alongside. Gray's plate of the deep muscles of the back seen from behind, with the erector spinae group — iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis — highlighted as a continuous column running from the sacrum and iliac crest to the occiput over the transverse processes and ribs, with multifidus and semispinalis alongside. Henry Vandyke Carter — Reproduction of a Gray's anatomy plate with the muscles of the erector spinae muscle group highlighted Henry Vandyke Carter · public-domain · source

A licence check cannot tell you whether the anatomy is right, whether it shows current practice, or whether the caption is true. That is what this is for.

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