Bilateral versus unilateral erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the common surgical intervention for benign biliary diseases. Postoperative pain after LC remains as an important problem, with two components: somatic and visceral. Trocar entry incisions lead to somatic pain, while peritoneal distension with diaphragm irritation leads to visceral pain. Following its description by Forero et al., the erector spinae plane (ESP) block acquired considerable popularity among clinicians. This led to the use of ESP block for postoperative pain management for various operations. Materials and methods This study was conducted between January and June 2019. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All the patients received bilateral or unilateral ESP block at the T8 level preoperatively according to their groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms NRS scores either at rest or while coughing at any time interval except for postoperative 6th hour (p = 0.023). Morphine consumption was similar between the groups but was significantly lower in group B at 12 and 24 hours (p = 0.044 and p = 0.022, respectively). Twelve patients in group A and three patients in group B had shoulder pain and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Discussion In conclusion, bilateral ESP block provided more effective analgesia than unilateral ESP block in patients undergoing elective LC. Bilateral ESP block reduced the amount of opioid consumption and the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain.

The effect of thoracic paravertebral block on seroma reduction in breast surgery - a randomized controlled trial / Efeito do bloqueio paravertebral torácico na redução de seroma em cirurgia de mama - estudo randomizado controlado

Abstract Background: Increasing number of patients are being operated because of breast cancer. Seroma is the most common problem that occurs after surgery that increases morbidity. For postoperative pain management, Thoracic Paravertebral Block (TPVB) has long been considered the gold standard technique. With performing TPVB, sympathetic nerves are also blocked. Objective: With this study, we aimed to search the effect of TPVB on seroma reduction in patients who undergo mastectomy and axillary node dissection surgery. Methods: Forty ASA I-II female patients aged 18-65, who were scheduled to go under elective unilateral mastectomy and axillary lymph node resection were included to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups as TPVB and Control group. Ultrasound guided TPVB with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine was performed at T1 level preoperatively to the TPVB group patients. All patients were provided with i.v. patient-controlled analgesia device. Seroma formation amounts, morphine consumptions and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain were recorded 24th hour postoperatively. Results and conclusions: Mean seroma formation at postoperative 24th hour was 112.5 ± 53.3 mL in the control group and 74.5 ± 47.4 mL in the TPVB group (p = 0.022). NRS scores were similar between two groups (p = 0.367) at postoperative 24th hour but mean morphine consumption at postoperative 24th hour was 5.6 ± 4 mg in the TPBV group, and 16.6 ± 6.9 mg in the control group (p < 0.001). TPVB reduces the amount of seroma formation while providing effective analgesia in patients who undergo mastectomy and axillary lymph node removal surgery.

Resumo Introdução: Observa-se aumento do número de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia por neoplasia mamária. Seroma é a mais frequente complicação pós-operatória que aumenta a morbidade. Há muito tempo, considera-se o Bloqueio Paravertebral Torácico (BPVT) a técnica padrão-ouro para o controle da dor pós-operatória. O BPVT provoca, igualmente, o bloqueio da inervação simpática. Objetivo: Identificar o efeito do BPVT na redução de seroma em pacientes que realizaram mastectomia e dissecção dos linfonodos axilares. Método: Foram incluídas no estudo 40 pacientes do sexo feminino ASA I-II, entre 18 e 65 anos de idade, submetidas a mastectomia eletiva unilateral com ressecção de linfonodos axilares. As pacientes foram randomizadas em grupo BPVT e grupo controle. As pacientes do grupo BPVT foram submetidas ao BPVT guiado por ultrassom no nível de T1 e 20 mL de bupivacaína 0,25% foram administrados antes da cirurgia. Bomba de infusão IV ACP foi prescrita para todas as pacientes. Na 24ª hora pós-operatória foram registradas a quantidade de produção de seroma, o consumo de morfina e a avaliação da dor pela escala de avaliação numérica (NRS - do inglês Numeric Rating Scale). Resultados: A quantidade média de seroma na 24ª hora pós-operatória foi 112,5 ± 53,3 mL no grupo controle e 74,5 ± 47,4 mL no grupo BPVT (p = 0,022). Na 24ª hora pós-operatória a pontuação NRS foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p = 0,367), porém o consumo médio de morfina foi 5,6 ± 4 mg no grupo BPVT e 16,6 ± 6,9 mg no grupo controle (p < 0,001). Conclusões: O BPVT reduz a quantidade de seroma enquanto proporciona analgesia efetiva em pacientes que se submetem a mastectomia e remoção dos linfonodos axilares.

Do we still need central blocks while we have erector spinae plane block? Case of 2. 5 month old infant / Ainda precisamos de bloqueios centrais enquanto temos o bloqueio do eretor da espinha? Caso de criança de 2, 5 meses de idade

Abstract Erector spinae plane block is gaining popularity both for its ease of application and as its comparable effect on postoperative analgesia with central regional techniques like paravertebral block or epidural anesthesia. Its use for many indications has been reported in the literature for pediatric patients. We would like to share our experiences in a 2.5-month infant scheduled for thoracotomy for a giant congenital cyst. Single shot erector spinae plane block was done at T4 level before the start of the surgery for both surgical and postoperative analgesia. No complication was seen during both surgery and follow up period. Erector spinae plane block with the combination of paracetamol was adequate for pain relief.

Resumo O bloqueio do plano do músculo eretor da espinha tem ganhado popularidade, tanto pela facilidade de aplicação quanto pelo efeito comparável em analgesia pós-operatória com técnicas regionais centrais, como o bloqueio paravertebral ou a anestesia peridural. Seu uso tem sido relatado na literatura para muitas indicações em pacientes pediátricos. Gostaríamos de compartilhar nossas experiências no caso de um bebê de 2,5 meses de idade programado para toracotomia para excisão de um cisto congênito gigante. O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha dorsal com injeção única foi realizado no nível de T4 antes do início da cirurgia para analgesia cirúrgica e pós-operatória. Nenhuma complicação foi observada durante a cirurgia e o período de acompanhamento. O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha com a combinação de paracetamol foi adequado para o alívio da dor.