Lumbar erector spinae plane block versus infrainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for pain management after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided facia iliaca compartment (FIC) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in managing postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty surgery. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized into 2 groups (n = 30): one that received FIC blocks and one that received ESP blocks. FIC and ESP blocks were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. The patients received intravenous tramadol and patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The dynamic pain scores on movement in the postoperative first hour were significantly lower in the ESP block group than in the FIC block group (3 [2-4] vs 4 [2-5], respectively; P = .035). Data are expressed as median (25th-75th percentiles). Postoperative opioid consumption within the first postoperative 8 hours was significantly higher in the FIC block group than in the ESP block group (80 mg [61-100] vs 100 mg [80-120], respectively; P = .010). The adverse effects of opioids did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: ESP and infrainguinal FIC blocks provided similar postoperative analgesia 24 hours after total hip arthroplasty. The ESP block is more beneficial than the FIC block in terms of pain scores and opioid consumption in the early hours of the postoperative period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05621161).

Surgical vs ultrasound-guided lumbar erector spinae plane block for pain management following lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

PURPOSE: Spinal surgery is associated with severe diffuse pain in the postoperative period. Effective pain management plays an essential role in reducing morbidity and mortality. This study is designed to compare the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and surgical infiltrative ESP block for postoperative analgesia management after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: The patients who underwent two or three levels of posterior lumbar spinal fusion surgery were randomly allocated into one of three groups with 30 patients each (Group SE = Surgical ESP block; Group UE = ultrasound-guided ESP block; Group C = Controls). The primary aim was to compare postoperative opioid consumption, and the secondary aim was to evaluate postoperative dynamic and static pain scores and the incidence of opioid-related adverse effects. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in terms of opioid consumption, rescue analgesia on demand, and both static and dynamic pain scores between groups at all time periods (p < 0.05). Group SE and Group UE had lower pain scores and consumed fewer opioids than the controls (p < 0.05). However, the Group UE had lower pain scores and opioid consumption than the Group SE. The sedation level of patients was significantly higher in the control group than in the other two groups. Also, nausea was more common in controls than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: While both surgical and ultrasound-guided ESP blocks reduced opioid consumption compared to the controls, the patients who received ultrasound-guided ESP blocks experienced better postsurgical pain relief than those in the other groups (surgical ESP and controls).

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided anterior quadratus lumborum block for pain management following lumbar spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a fascial plane block. There is no randomized study on the efficacy of QLB for lumbar surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of QLB for postoperative pain management and patient satisfaction after lumbar disc herniation surgery (LDHS). METHODS: Sixty patients with ASA score I-II planned for LDHS under general anesthesia were included. We allocated the patients into two groups: the QLB group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). QLB was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the QLB group. Paracetamol 1 g IV 3 × 1 was ordered to the patients at the postoperative period. If the NRS score was ≥ 4, 1 mg/ kg tramadol IV was administered as rescue analgesia. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the median static NRS at 0 h and 2 h with QLB compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the resting NRS at any other time point up to 24 h. The median dynamic NRS was significantly lower at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h in the QLB group (p < 0.05). The need for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the QLB group. The incidence of nausea was significantly higher in the control group. The postoperative patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the QLB group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that the QLB is effective for pain control following LDHS.

Erector spinae plane block vs interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia management in patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is the gold standard method used for postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is an interfascial plane block. The aim of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of ESPB and ISB after shoulder arthroscopy. The primary outcome is the comparison of the perioperative and postoperative opioid consumptions. METHODS: Sixty patients with ASA score I-II planned for arthroscopic shoulder surgery were included in the study. ESPB was planned in Group ESPB (n = 30), and ISB was planned in Group ISB (n = 30). Intravenous fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia was administered to both groups in the postoperative period. Intraoperative and postoperative opioid and analgesic consumption of both groups, side effects and complications related to opioid use, postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic use were recorded in the first 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly higher in the ESPB group in the first 4 h postoperatively than in the ISB group (p < 0.05). The total fentanyl consumption and number of patients using rescue analgesics in the postoperative period were significantly higher in the ESPB group (p < 0.05). The incidence of nausea in the postoperative period was significantly higher in the ESPB group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was seen that ISB provided more effective analgesia management compared to ESPB in patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy surgery.

High Thoracic Erector Spinae Plane Block for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Double-Blind Study.

OBJECTIVE: Moderate to severe pain may occur following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. An erector spinae plane block (ESPB) may be used for painful conditions of the shoulder. The primary hypothesis of this trial is that ultrasound-guided ESPB would provide effective analgesia by reducing opioid consumption. The secondary hypothesis is that ESPB would result in low pain scores and reduce the use of rescue analgesia. DESIGN: Randomized prospective double-blind study. SETTING: Academic university hospital. SUBJECTS: Sixty patients aged between 18 and 65 years designated as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II who underwent unilateral arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study. METHODS: Patients were equally divided into two groups-either the ESPB group (n=30) or the sham block group (n=30). ESPB was performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine at the T2 level in the ESPB group and sham block with 30 mL saline at the T2 level in the sham block group. Twenty minutes before the end of the operation, 100 mg tramadol was administered intravenously to the patients. Intravenous ibuprofen 400 mg 3 × 1 was ordered for the patients during the postoperative period. A patient control analgesia device including a dose of 10 µg/mL fentanyl was connected to the patients. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of demographical data. Postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the sham block group (96.66 µg ±105.57 µg and 230 µg ±247.17 µg, respectively) (P=0.009). The need for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the sham block group (26.66 mg ±35.43 mg and 48.5 mg ±35.45 mg, respectively) (P=0.020). Overall, the visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the sham block group. CONCLUSIONS: ESPB may provide effective analgesia treatment following arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Type-II Pectoral Nerve Block and Rhomboid Intercostal Block for Pain Management Following Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Although breast-conserving surgery-axillary dissection (BCS-AD) is a minimally invasive surgery, patients may suffer from moderate-to-severe pain. Several regional techniques can be used for pain control. The type II pectoral nerve block (PECS II) and the rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) are interfascial plane blocks that have been reported to provide effective analgesia after breast surgery. This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of the PECS II block and the RIB after breast surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety female patients aged 18 to 65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes I and II physical status who underwent unilateral BCS-AD surgery were included. Patients were divided into three groups (n = 30 in each): the PECS II group, the RIB group, or the control group. PECS II block and RIB were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine. Ibuprofen 400 mg IV 3 × 1 was given in the postoperative period. A patient control analgesia device included a dose of 10 µg/mL fentanyl, which was prepared and connected to the patients. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of demographical data. Postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the PECS II and RIB groups than the control group. The need for rescue analgesia use was significantly higher in the control group than the other groups. At all times, visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the PECS II and RIB groups than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The PECS II block and the RIB provide similar effective analgesia after BCS-AD.

A Randomized Trial to Compare Serratus Anterior Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Management Following Thoracoscopic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) patients. The primary outcome was to compare perioperative and postoperative (48 hours) opioid consumption. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized into two groups (N = 30): an ESPB group and an SAPB group. All the patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia and ibuprofen 400 mg intravenously every eight hours. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption at 0-8, 8-16, and 16-24 hours and rescue analgesic use were significantly lower in the ESPB group (P < 0.05). Static/dynamic VAS scores were significantly lower in the ESPB group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between static VAS scores at the fourth hour. There were no differences between adverse effects. Block procedure time and one-time puncture success were similar between groups (P > 0.05 each). CONCLUSION: US-guided ESPB may provide better pain control than SAPB after VATS. QUESTION: Even though there are studies about analgesia management after VATS, clinicians want to perform the technique that is both less invasive and more effective. FINDINGS: This randomized trial showed that US-guided ESPB provides effective analgesia compared with SAPB. MEANING: Performing single-injection ESPB reduces VAS scores and opioid consumption compared with SAPB.

Efficacy of an Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Management After Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate whether an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can be used to manage postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) patients. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Single institution, academic university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent VATS under general anesthesia between September 2018 and March 2019. INTERVENTIONS: This study was an interventional study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 30 per group): an ESPB group and a control group. In the ESPB group, a single-shot ultrasound-guided ESPB was administered preoperatively. The control group received no such intervention. All of the patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia, and they were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences with respect to the age, sex, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, anesthesia duration, and surgery length (p > 0.05 for each). The opioid consumption at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours and the active and passive VAS scores at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours were statistically lower in the ESPB group at all of the time periods when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the control group, the nausea and itching rates were higher, but there were no intergroup differences in terms of other adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: A preemptive single-shot ESPB may provide effective analgesia management after VATS.

Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy of the Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Superficial Serratus Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Breast Reduction Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Breast surgery is an exceedingly common procedure and associated with an increased incidence of acute and chronic pain. Preemptive regional anesthesia techniques may improve postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing breast surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative bilateral serratus plane block on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. METHODS: After ethical board approval, 40 patients undergoing breast reduction surgery were randomized into 2 groups: control group (Group C, n = 20) and serratus plane block group (Group SPB, n = 20). Group C received bilateral ultrasound-guided 2 ml 0.9% saline subcutaneously each block side, Group SPB received ultrasound-guided bilateral SPB with 0.25% bupivacaine 30 ml each side. The groups were administered the routine general anesthesia protocol. All operations were performed with the mediocentral pedicled reduction mammaplasty technique by the same surgeon. Postoperative analgesia was performed intravenously in the 2 groups twice a day with dexketoprofen trometamol 50 mg and patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Fentanyl consumption, additional analgesia requirement and opioid-related side effects were recorded during the first 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with control, the VAS score was statistically lower in the SPB group during all measurement times (p < 0.05). The 24-h opioid consumption was significantly higher in the control group compared with the SPB group (372.50 ± 39.65 vs. 296.25 ± 58.08 µq, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, the analgesia requirement was statistically lower in the SPB group (8/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p < 0.028). Nausea or vomiting was observed more often in the control group than in SPB block (9/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p = 0.013), whereas other side effects were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SPB can be used safely bilaterally in the management of pain for breast reduction surgery as it is easy to perform, provides excellent analgesia, and reduces opioid consumption and opioid sparing effect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The Efficacy of Different Volumes on Ultrasound-Guided Type-I Pectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Subpectoral Breast Augmentation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: PECS type-1 block, a US-guided superficial interfacial block, provides effective analgesia after breast surgery. Aesthetic breast augmentation is one of the most common surgical procedures in plastic surgery. Subpectoral prostheses cause severe pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different volumes of the solution on the efficacy of PECS type-I block for postoperative analgesia after breast augmentation surgery. METHODS: Ninety ASA status I-II female patients aged between 18 and 65 years who scheduled breast augmentation surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30 patients each (Group 20 = 20 ml of anaesthetic solution, Group 30 = 30 ml anaesthetic solution, and Group K = Control group). Postoperative assessment was performed using the VAS score. The VAS scores were recorded postoperatively at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h. RESULTS: Fentanyl consumption was statistically significantly lower in Group 20 and Group 30 compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in fentanyl consumption between Group 20 and Group 30. The right and left VAS scores were statistically significantly lower in Groups 20 and 30 than in the Control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in terms of VAS scores between Group 20 and Group 30. The use of rescue analgesia was statistically lower in Groups 20 and 30. CONCLUSIONS: PECS type-1 block using 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine can provide effective analgesia after breast augmentation surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The efficacy of rhomboid intercostal block for pain management after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) for analgesia management in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent VATS under general anesthesia between July 2020 and June 2022 were included in the study. There was two groups in this study: RIB (n = 25) vs control (n = 25) group. RIB was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. Surgical intercostal blockade was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the control group. The patients received intravenous fentanyl patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The numerical rating score (NRS), opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were randomized into 2 groups. There were no significant difference in terms of the demographic data between groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative opioid consumption at 0-8, 8-16, 16-24, and 24-48 h and rescue analgesic use were significantly lower in RIB group (P < 0.05). At all times, the static/dynamic NRS were significantly lower in RIB group. The rate of nausea and itching was higher in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: US-guided RIB provides effective post-VATS analgesia.

Ultrasound-guided carotid sheath block for carotid endarterectomy surgery in a high-risky patient and literature review.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) surgery is generally performed for patients who under the risk of ischemic cerebral stroke due to the critical obstruction of the carotid artery. Ischemic complications may occur during the surgery. So, the awakeness of the patient is very important during the surgery. Regional anesthesia techniques may be performed instead of general anesthesia for shunt placement during CEA surgery. Herein, we aimed to share our successful US-guided carotid sheath block experience for anesthesia management during CEA surgery.

Ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block for pain control after breast augmentation: a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pectoral nNerve (PECS) block type-1 is an Ultrasound (US)-guided interfacial block that can be performed for postoperative analgesia management after breast surgery. In the procedure, a local anesthetic solution is injected into the interfacial area between the Pectoralis Major muscles (PMm) and Pectoralis minor muscles (Pmm). The present study compared PECS block type-1 administered preoperatively or postoperatively for postoperative analgesia after breast augmentation surgery. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into three groups (n = 30 in each): a preoperative PECS block group (Pregroup), postoperative PECS block group (Postgroup), and control group (Group C). Opioid consumption and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated at postoperative period. RESULTS: The pains scores in the Pregroup were significantly lower than those in the control group. Although there was no significantly difference in the VAS scores of the Postgroup and control group at postoperative 1 hour, the scores in the Postgroup were significantly lower than those in the control group at all the other evaluated times (p < 0.05). The VAS scores in the Pregroup were significantly lower than those in the Postgroup 8 hours after the surgery. Opioid consumption was significantly lower in the Pregroup as compared with that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The use of rescue analgesia in the Pregroup was significantly lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Performing PECS block type-1 preoperatively reduced VAS scores and opioid consumption after breast augmentation.

A comparison of adductor canal block before and after thigh tourniquet during knee arthroscopy: a randomized, blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Adductor canal block (ACB) provides effective analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery. However, there is insufficient data regarding whether ACB should be performed before or after inflation of a thigh tourniquet. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ACB performed before and after placement of a thigh tourniquet and evaluate associated quadriceps motor weakness. METHODS: ACB was performed before tourniquet inflation in the PreT group, and it was performed after inflation in the PostT group. In the PO group, ACB was performed at the end of surgery after deflation of the tourniquet. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic data. There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in terms of total postoperative opioid consumption (P = 0.513). Patient satisfaction and the amount of rescue analgesia administered were also not significantly different between the groups. There was no significant difference in terms of static and dynamic visual analog scale scores between the groups (for 24 h: P = 0.306 and P = 0.271, respectively). The incidence of motor block was higher in the PreT group (eight patients) than in the PostT group (no patients) and the PO group (one patient) (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Using a tourniquet before or after ACB did not result in differences in terms of analgesia quality; however, applying a tourniquet immediately after ACB may lead to quadriceps weakness.

A prospective and randomized trial comparing modified and classical techniques of ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar interfascial plane block.

OBJECTIVES: A thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block is a novel ultrasound (US)-guided technique that provides effective analgesia after lumbar spinal surgery. Two approaches for a TLIP block have been defined: a classical (cTLIP) technique and a modified (mTLIP) technique. A literature review revealed no published comparison of the 2 techniques. This study examined the practicality and analgesic efficacy of US-guided mTLIP and cTLIP blocks following lumbar disc surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 18-65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of I or II who were scheduled for lumbar disc surgery under general anesthesia were included. US-guided mTLIP (n=30) and cTLIP (n=30) blocks were performed. The performance time of the block procedures, the success of a one-time block, postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, adverse effects, and block-related complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The performance time was significantly less in the mTLIP group (p<0.001). The success of a one-time block was significantly higher in the mTLIP group (p<0.001). The active/passive visual analog scale scores, intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, and rescue analgesic requirements were similar between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that a US-guided mTLIP block had a shorter performance time and a higher one-time block success rate compared with the cTLIP block. The quality of analgesia provided by the mTLIP and cTLIP blocks was similar.