Erector spinae plane block vs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for
severe renal colic pain: a pilot clinical feasibility study
Abstract
Aim: Ultrasound-guided plane blocks are increasingly used in the
multi-modal analgesic concept for reducing opioid consumption. The
present study was conducted to compare the analgesic effect of
intravenous nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and erector
spinae plane (ESP) block in renal colic patients. Methods: In this
prospective randomized study, 40 patients with renal colic pain were
randomly assigned to into two groups; Group NSAID (n=20) received an
intravenous infusion of 50 mg of dexketoprofen trometamol, Group ESP
(n=20) received ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with 30 ml
0.25% bupivacaine at the T8 level. The pain severity of patients was
assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline, 5., 15., 30.,
45. and 60. minutes after intervention. Opioid consumption, patient
satisfaction and side effects were recorded. Results: In the ESP group,
the VAS scores were significantly lower than the NSAID group at 5., 15.,
30., 45. and 60. minutes after the procedure (P<0.001). Opioid
consumption was significantly higher in the NSAID group compared with
the ESP group (10/20 vs. 0/20, respectively; p<0.001). Patient
satisfaction was significantly higher in the ESP group
(p<0.001). Conclusions: ESP block can be an alternative,
efficient, and safe method for the relief of acute renal colic pain.