RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: In this report, we assessed the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia after kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 28 total patients who underwent heterotopic kidney transplant from living related donors. In the retrospective control group, patients (n = 14) received conventional postoperative analgesia. In the study group, patients (n = 14) received continuous erector spinae plane block in addition to conventional analgesics. Study endpoints were pain intensity evaluated using numerical rating scale at rest and during movement, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting incidences during the first postoperative day. RESULTS: Patients in the study group demonstrated significantly less pain (2.1 ± 1.09 at rest and 3.8 ± 1.18 during movement per the numerical rating scale) compared with the control group (3.3 ± 1.17 and 5.2 ± 2.15, respectively) (P = .009 and P = .042) and less opioid requirements (15.9 ± 7.1 vs 4.7 ± 6.2 mg of morphine; P < .001). In addition, incidences of nausea and vomiting were less frequent in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous erector spinae plane block in combination with nonopioid analgesics provided adequate pain control and significantly reduced postoperative opioid requirements after kidney transplant.