SHOULD THE ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE BLOCK BE APPLIED IN THE PAIN MANAGEMENT
OF PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY?
Abstract
The Aim: This prospective, randomised controlled study aimed to
investigate the efficacy and respiratory effects of postoperative pain
management with erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing
percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery. Methods: A total of 60 ASA I-II
patients aged 18–65 years, scheduled to undergo percutaneous
nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were included. Patients were randomized either to
the ESPB or control group. Ultrasound-guided ESPB with 15mL 0.5%
bupivacaine at the T11 level was performed preoperatively using the
in-plane technique in the ESP group. In both groups, 1gr of intravenous
paracetamol was administered intraoperatively. Postoperative pain and
agitation was evaluated using VAS, Dynamic VAS at 0, 6 and 24 hours and
the Riker sedation-agitation scale at 0th Hours after surgery. Peak
expiratory flow rate(PEFR) and SPO2 were measured in preoperative
examination and at the 0th, 6th, 24th hours postoperatively. In the
postoperative period, intravenous tramadol (100mg) was administered as a
rescue analgesic when VAS ≥ 4. Time and number of the rescue analgesias,
mobilization time and length of hospital stay were also recorded and
analyzed. Results: A significantly lower VAS and DVAS were observed at
0th, 6th, 24th hours in the ESPB group (p < 0.05 for each
timepoint). Also number of and time to rescue analgesia decreased in the
ESPB group (p< 0.05 and 0.01 respectively).
Postoperative/preoperative PEFR ratio was lower and there were more
agitated patients in control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: ESPB
may have additional clinical advantages while providing effective
analgesia in patients who underwent PCNL comparing to intravenous
analgesia.