Erector spinae plane block for postoperative pain and recovery in hepatectomy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The randomized controlled study aimed to examine the efficacy of preoperative ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block combined with ropivacaine in patients undergoing hepatectomy. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized to ESP block group receiving ropivacaine (Group A) and control group (Group B), n = 30 per group. Visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded in both the groups during rest and movement at the various time intervals. Both the groups were also compared for time to initial anal exhaust, analgesic usage, early postoperative complications and side-effects, walk distance after the operation, time to out-of-bed activity, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the demographic characteristics. For group A, when compared to group B, VAS scores during rest and movement within post-operative 24 hours were decreased, the time of first anus exhaust and ambulation were earlier, analgesic consumption and the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and headache was reduced, the duration of hospital stay were shorter with longer walk distance. CONCLUSION: ESP block combined with ropivacaine treatment effectively reduced early postoperative pain and improved recovery after hepatectomy.