Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Erector spinae plane block for laparoscopic surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel analgesic technique that can reduce post-operative pain and postoperative opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on November 17th, 2023 for clinical trials comparing ESPB with other analgesic techniques or placebo for laparoscopic surgeries. We meta-analyzed post-operative pain at rest, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesic request, and postoperative nausea and vomiting using a random effects model.

RESULTS

ESPB significantly reduced opioid consumption compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.837, (-2.331, -1.343), < 0.001) and also compared to transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -1.351, (-1.815, -0.887), < 0.001) but not quadratus lumborum plane block (QLB) (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 0.022, (-0.241, 0.286), 0.869). ESPB also significantly reduced participant-reported pain scores at rest at 24h post-operation compared to placebo (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.612, (-0.797, -0.428), < 0.001) and TAPB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; -0.465, (-0.767, -0.162), < 0.001), however, there was a significant increase in pain score compared to QLB (SMD, (95CI), p-value; 1.025, 0.156, 1.894), 0.021). A statistically significant increase in time to first rescue analgesic in ESPB groups compared to placebo and TAPB groups was observed in our meta-analysis. There was a lower post-operative nausea and vomiting rate in the ESPB groups compared to placebo groups, yet a comparable rate with QLB and TAPB groups was observed in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

ESPB is an effective and safe analgesic technique for managing post-operative pain and opioid consumption in laparoscopic surgeries compared to placebo, reducing postoperative nausea or vomiting as well. Compared to other techniques, ESPB has a similar efficacy to QLB, except for the pain score at 24 h post-operation, but appears to be superior to TAPB as an analgesic technique in laparoscopic surgeries, with a similar safety profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero registration ID: CRD42024508363. Link: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails.

Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) advocates multimodal analgesia, discouraging opioid use to minimize side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, during postoperative pain management for quicker recovery. Combining erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with multimodal analgesia aims to reduce opioid consumption, improving postoperative recovery. This study aimed to compare morphine consumption between patients with severe obesity undergoing laparoscopic MBS with and without ESPB.

METHODS

This study enrolled 91 patients with severe obesity who underwent laparoscopic MBS involving either sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Of these, 63 patients were included in this study. The participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group, which received an ESPB before the standard anesthesia protocol, or the control group, which did not receive pre-anesthesia block. The primary outcome measured was 24-h morphine consumption via a patient-controlled analgesia machine. Secondary outcomes included patients' satisfaction, postoperative numerical rating score, changes over time, and quality of recovery (QoR) using the Thai QoR-35 score.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant difference in morphine consumption between the intervention group and the control group. Furthermore, our analysis revealed no significant between-group differences in patient satisfaction, postoperative numeric rating score, or QoR across all five aspects evaluated using the Thai QoR-35 score.

CONCLUSIONS

ESPB did not reduce morphine consumption or QoR following laparoscopic MBS. Further studies are required to confirm and identify the reasons for the ineffectiveness of ESPB.

Analgesia efficacy of erector spinae plane block in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multimodal analgesia is now widely practised to minimise postoperative opioid consumption while optimising pain control. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. This will be determined by perioperative opioid consumption, subjective pain scores, and incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

METHODS

The authors systemically searched electronic databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2023 comparing ESPB with other adjuvant analgesic techniques in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Nine randomised controlled trials encompassing 666 subjects were included in our study.

RESULTS

ESPB was shown to reduce postoperative opioid consumption [mean difference (MD) of -5.95 mg (95% CI: -8.86 to -3.04; P <0.0001); I2 =89%], intraoperative opioid consumption MD of -102.4 mcg (95% CI: -145.58 to -59.21; P <0.00001); I2 =39%, and incidence of nausea [RR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.25-0.60; P <0.0001); I2 =0%] and vomiting [RR 0.32 (95% CI: 0.17-0.63; P =0.0009); I2 =0%] in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Subgroup analysis on laparoscopic colorectal surgeries further showed reduction in postoperative pain scores MD of -0.68 (95% CI: -0.94 to -0.41); P <0.00001; I2 =0%].

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that ESPB is a valuable technique with proven efficacy to potentially promote faster postoperative recovery through optimising pain control while minimising opioid requirements.

Opioid-sparing effect of erector spinae plane block and intravenous dexmedetomidine for obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the impact of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine in reduction of perioperative opioid consumption following bariatric surgery and their impact on post-operative recovery, analgesia, and pulmonary functions.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Gharboa, Egypt.

PATIENTS

Forty obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), aged 20-55 years, and eligible for bariatric surgery were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients randomized into group I (received general anesthesia [GA] with opioid, sham ESPB, and IV normal saline) or group II (received GA [without opioid], ESPB [at T7 level] using 20 mL bupivacaine 0.25 percent and bolus IV dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and then 0.25 µg/kg/h).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Fentanyl consumption (primary outcome), sevoflurane consumption, recovery time, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and pulmonary functions (secondary outcomes) were recorded.

RESULTS

Perioperative fentanyl (intraoperative, post-operative, and total) consumption and sevoflurane consumption were substantially lower in group II compared to group I (p = 0.010, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Moreover, recovery time was shorter in group II (p < 0.001). At 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery, group I patients had VAS values considerably higher. Relative to preoperative values, pulmonary function did not significantly alter after surgery. Oxygen desaturation was significantly lower in group II (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The ESPB with IV dexmedetomidine is advantageous for OSAS patients having bariatric surgery as it provides anesthesia and opioid-sparing effect with short recovery, adequate analgesia, and nonsignificant complications. Yet, it had no effect on post-operative pulmonary function.

Regional anaesthesia for postoperative pain management following laparoscopic, visceral, non-oncological surgery a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management following laparoscopic, non-oncological visceral surgery in adults is challenging. Regional anaesthesia could be a promising component in multimodal pain management.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE assessment. Primary outcomes were postoperative acute pain intensity at rest/during movement after 24 h, the number of patients with block-related adverse events and the number of patients with postoperative paralytic ileus.

RESULTS

82 trials were included. Peripheral regional anaesthesia combined with general anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia may result in a slight reduction of pain intensity at rest at 24 h (mean difference (MD) - 0.72 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.91 to - 0.54; I2 = 97%; low-certainty evidence), which was not clinically relevant. The evidence is very uncertain regarding the effect on pain intensity during activity at 24 h (MD -0.8 points; 95%CI - 1.17 to - 0.42; I2 = 99%; very low-certainty evidence) and on the incidence of block-related adverse events. In contrast, neuraxial regional analgesia combined with general anaesthesia (versus general anaesthesia) may reduce postoperative pain intensity at rest in a clinical relevant matter (MD - 1.19 points; 95%CI - 1.99 to - 0.39; I2 = 97%; low-certainty evidence), but the effect is uncertain during activity (MD - 1.13 points; 95%CI - 2.31 to 0.06; I2 = 95%; very low-certainty evidence). There is uncertain evidence, that neuraxial regional analgesia combined with general anaesthesia (versus general anaesthesia) increases the risk for block-related adverse events (relative risk (RR) 5.11; 95%CI 1.13 to 23.03; I2 = 0%; very low-certainty evidence).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirms that regional anaesthesia might be an important part of multimodal postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic visceral surgery, e.g. in patients at risk for severe postoperative pain, and with large differences between surgical procedures and settings. Further research is required to evaluate the use of adjuvants and the additional benefit of regional anaesthesia in ERAS programmes.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021258281.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block compared to sham procedure in adult patients with rib fractures presenting to the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with a sham procedure in adult patients presenting with rib fractures to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at an academic ED over a 17-month period. Forty-six adults with confirmed rib fractures and numeric rating score (NRS) greater than 4 were randomized to one of two treatment arms: ultrasound-guided ESPB group or placebo (sham procedure). Intravenous opioids were prescribed as rescue analgesia when self-reported pain scores were ≥4. The primary outcome measure, pain intensity reduction, was derived using the 11-point NRS at six time points over 12 h. Secondary outcome measures included the amount of rescue analgesia, in morphine equivalents, and the occurrence of adverse events. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the trend in NRSs across the two arms. The association between the complications and intervention was explored using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (23 in each arm) completed the study. There was no difference between treatment groups with respect to age, sex, vital signs, preenrollment analgesia, or baseline pain intensity. In comparing pain intensity during the study period, NRS scores at 30, 60, and 120 min were significantly lower in the ESPB group (p < 0.001) during rest and deep inspiration. Moreover, patients in the ESPB group received lesser rescue analgesia than those in the sham group (10 mg, IQR 2.5 vs. 20 mg, IQR 5 mg; p ≤ 0.01). There was no difference in adverse events between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided ESPB resulted in significantly reduced pain intensity over the study period and reduced amount of rescue analgesia and had no discernible difference in adverse events when compared with a sham.

Erector spinae plane block for postoperative pain

BACKGROUND

Acute and chronic postoperative pain are important healthcare problems, which can be treated with a combination of opioids and regional anaesthesia. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new regional anaesthesia technique, which might be able to reduce opioid consumption and related side effects.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the analgesic effects and side effect profile of ESPB against no block, placebo block or other regional anaesthetic techniques.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science on 4 January 2021 and updated the search on 3 January 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating adults undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia were included. We included ESPB in comparison with no block, placebo blocks or other regional anaesthesia techniques irrespective of language, publication year, publication status or technique of regional anaesthesia used (ultrasound, landmarks or peripheral nerve stimulator). Quasi-RCTs, cluster-RCTs, cross-over trials and studies investigating co-interventions in either arm were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed all trials for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and risk of bias (RoB), and extracted data. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and we used GRADE to rate the certainty of evidence for the primary outcomes. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest at 24 hours and block-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest (2, 48 hours) and during activity (2, 24 and 48 hours after surgery), chronic pain after three and six months, as well as cumulative oral morphine requirements at 2, 24 and 48 hours after surgery and rates of opioid-related side effects.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 69 RCTs in the first search and included these in the systematic review. We included 64 RCTs (3973 participants) in the meta-analysis. The outcome postoperative pain was reported in 38 out of 64 studies; block-related adverse events were reported in 40 out of 64 studies. We assessed RoB as low in 44 (56%), some concerns in 24 (31%) and high in 10 (13%) of the study results. Overall, 57 studies reported one or both primary outcomes. Only one study reported results on chronic pain after surgery. In the updated literature search on 3 January 2022 we found 37 new studies and categorised these as awaiting classification. ESPB compared to no block There is probably a slight but not clinically relevant reduction in pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery in patients treated with ESPB compared to no block (visual analogue scale (VAS), 0 to 10 points) (mean difference (MD) -0.77 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.08 to -0.46; 17 trials, 958 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events between the groups treated with ESPB and those receiving no block (no events in 18 trials reported, 1045 participants, low-certainty evidence). ESPB compared to placebo block ESPB probably has no effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to placebo block (MD -0.14 points, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.00; 8 trials, 499 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events between ESPB and placebo blocks (no events in 10 trials reported; 592 participants; low-certainty evidence). ESPB compared to other regional anaesthetic techniques Paravertebral block (PVB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to PVB (MD 0.23 points, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.52; 7 trials, 478 participants; low-certainty evidence). There is probably no difference in block-related adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.95; 7 trials, 522 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to TAPB (MD -0.16 points, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.14; 3 trials, 160 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.83; 4 trials, 202 participants; low-certainty evidence). Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) The effect on postoperative pain could not be assessed because no studies reported this outcome. There may be no difference in block-related adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.59; 2 trials, 110 participants; low-certainty evidence). Pectoralis plane block (PECSB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to PECSB (MD 0.24 points, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.58; 2 trials, 98 participants; low-certainty evidence). The effect on block-related adverse events could not be assessed. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) Only one study reported on each of the primary outcomes. Intercostal nerve block (ICNB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to ICNB, but this is uncertain (MD -0.33 points, 95% CI -3.02 to 2.35; 2 trials, 131 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events, but this is uncertain (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.28; 3 trials, 181 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Epidural analgesia (EA) We are uncertain whether ESPB has an effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to EA (MD 1.20 points, 95% CI -2.52 to 4.93; 2 trials, 81 participants; very low-certainty evidence). A risk ratio for block-related adverse events was not estimable because only one study reported this outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

ESPB in addition to standard care probably does not improve postoperative pain intensity 24 hours after surgery compared to no block. The number of block-related adverse events following ESPB was low. Further research is required to study the possibility of extending the duration of analgesia. We identified 37 new studies in the updated search and there are three ongoing studies, suggesting possible changes to the effect estimates and the certainty of the evidence in the future.

Efficacy of the Erector Spinae Plane Block for Quality of Recovery in Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management after bariatric surgery is difficult due to different physiological properties and high sensitivity toward opioids in patients with obesity. It has been reported that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) contributes to postoperative analgesia when applied together with multimodal analgesia.

METHODS

Eighty patients were randomized either bilateral ESPB (group E) each side or no block (group C). Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of ESPB on the quality of recovery 24 h postoperatively in bariatric surgery by using 40-item Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire. Postoperative pain assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS), time of additional analgesic requirement, analgesic consumption, side effects, sedation, mobilization time, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Postoperative mean QoR-40 scores were found to be higher in group E (175.02 ± 11.25) than in group C (167.78 ± 18.59) at the postoperative 24th hour (P < 0.05). Pain scores at rest and during movement were higher in group C than in group E. At the postoperative 24th hour, NRS mean SD scores at rest for group C and group E were 3.25 ± 1.32 and 2.40 ± 0.96, respectively. NRS mean SD scores during movement for groups C and E were 3.88 ± 1.49 and 3.12 ± 1.30, respectively. The total amount of tramadol consumed in the first 24 h in group C and group E were mean SD: 86.40 ± 69.60 and 40.00 ± 46.96, respectively; P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

ESPB improved postoperative quality of recovery, reduced NRS scores, and total analgesic consumption in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05020379.

Analgesic Efficacy and Outcomes of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeries: A Systematic Review

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been used as an intervention for providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgeries. After registering the protocol in PROSPERO, randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized observational studies were searched in various databases till July 2022. The primary outcome was 24-h opioid consumption; the secondary outcomes were intraoperative opioid use, pain scores, time to rescue analgesia, and complications. The risk of bias and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of evidence. From the 695 studies identified, 6 studies were selected for analysis. The 24-h opioid consumption was significantly lesser in ESPB group when compared to control (mean difference [MD]: -10.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -21.03, -0.31, I² = 99%). The intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly less in the ESPB group (MD: -17.75; 95% CI: -20.36, -15.13, I² = 31%). The time to rescue analgesia was significantly more in the ESPB group (MD: 114.36; CI: 90.42, 138.30, I² = 99%). Although pain scores were significantly less at 6 and 24 h in ESPB group (MD: -2.00, 95% CI: -2.49, -1.51; I² = 0% and MD: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.72, -0.24; I² = 48%), at zero and 12 h, the pain scores were comparable (MD: -1.53, 95% CI: -3.06, -0.00, I² = 97% and MD: -0.80; 95% CI: -1.80, 0.20, I² = 88%). Bilateral ESPB provides opioid-sparing analgesia and better pain scores when compared to control. These results should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity among the included studies.

Postoperative analgesia efficacy of erector spinae plane block in adult abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objectives

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been used for many thoracic and abdominal surgeries. However, evidence of its analgesic efficacy following abdominal surgery, compared with that of thoracic analgesia, is insufficient. Our study explored the analgesic effect of ESPB after abdominal surgery.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Primary outcomes were pain scores at 6, 12 and 24 h and 24-h opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included time to first rescue analgesia, length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for primary outcomes and mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs for secondary outcomes.

Results

We systematically included 1,502 cases in 24 trials. Compared with placebo, ESPB significantly reduced pain scores at 6 h (SMD -1.25; 95% CI -1.79 to -0.71), 12 h (SMD -0.85; 95% CI -1.33 to -0.37) and 24 h (SMD -0.84; 95% CI -1.30 to -0.37) and 24-h opioid consumption (SMD -0.62; 95% CI -1.19 to -0.06) post-surgery. ESPB prolonged the time to first rescue analgesia and decreased the incidence of PONV. Compared with transversus abdominal plane block (TAPB), ESPB significantly reduced pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 h and 24-h opioid consumption and prolonged the time to first rescue analgesia postsurgically. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that ESPB significantly reduced pain scores at various time points and opioid consumption within 24 h after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, ESPB improves the postoperative analgesic efficacy after abdominal surgery. Furthermore, our meta-analysis confirmed that ESPB provides more beneficial analgesic efficacy than TAPB.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/301491_STRATEGY_20220104.pdf], identifier [CRD42022301491].

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for pain management after gastrectomy: a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial

Background

Open gastrectomy causes severe postoperative pain. Therefore, we investigated the opioid-sparing effect of the ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) after open gastrectomy.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing open gastrectomy were randomly assigned to either the ESPB group (ESPB + fentanyl based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia [IV-PCA]) or a control group (fentanyl based IV-PCA only). The primary outcome was total fentanyl equivalent consumption during the first 24 hour postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were pain intensities using a numeric rating scale at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hour postoperatively, and the amount of fentanyl equivalent consumption during the PACU stay and at 3, 6, and 12 hour postoperatively, and the time to the first request for rescue analgesia.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in total fentanyl equivalent consumption during the first 24 hour postoperatively between the two groups (P = 0.471). Pain intensities were not significantly different between the groups except during the PACU stay and 3 hour postoperatively (P < 0.001, for both). Time to the first rescue analgesia in the ward was longer in the ESPB group than the control group (P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided ESPB did not decrease total fentanyl equivalent consumption during the first 24 hour after open gastrectomy. It only reduced postoperative pain intensity until 3 hour postoperatively compared with the control group. Ultrasound-guided single-shot ESPB cannot provide an efficient opioid-sparing effect after open gastrectomy.

Pre-incisional Laparoscopic Preperitoneal Local Anesthetic Technique in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background:

The increasing prevalence of obesity is a significant concern worldwide. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective and standard procedure for sustained weight loss. However, optimal pain control is essential for enhanced recovery after surgery. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the efficacy of a pre-incisional laparoscopic preperitoneal local anesthetic technique (PLPLAT) on recovery characteristics following LSG.

Methods:

A total of 120 obese patients scheduled to undergo LSG were randomized into the PLPLAT or placebo group (n = 60 patients in both groups). All patients received conventional intravenous or other analgesics postoperatively, as required. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score. The secondary outcomes included morphine consumption, other analgesics, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), hemodynamic changes, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), early mobilization, and length of hospital stay.

Results:

Pain scores in the PACU and at 12 hours after surgery in the ward were significantly lower in the PLPLAT group than in the placebo group (P < 0.05). The morphine consumption was significantly less in PLPLAT group with mean dosage of 2.95 mg (± 0.39) compared to 6.0 mg (± 0.4) in placebo group. PONV, mean arterial pressure, and PACU stay were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the PLPLAT group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intraoperative PLPLAT provide effective postoperative pain relief for patients undergoing LSG. The findings indicated the efficacy of PLPLAT in reducing postoperative pain, enhancing recovery, and facilitating early discharge.

Can Postoperative Pain Be Prevented in Bariatric Surgery? Efficacy and Usability of Fascial Plane Blocks: a Retrospective Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Providing analgesia after bariatric surgery might be challenging due to a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and the increased sensitivity to respiratory depression triggered by opioid overuse after surgery. Various combination methods with paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other pain medications such as ketamine or gabapentin have been suggested for reduction of the opioid usage. Regional anesthetic techniques represent a valuable option as they improve patient comfort while reducing opioid-related side effects. In this study, we have evaluated the adjuvant benefits of these various techniques in reduction of the postoperative pain in bariatric surgery.

METHODS

After the approval of the IRB Ethics Committee, the records of the patients who had laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2019 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Records of 120 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2019 and December 2021 were reviewed. In total, 113 patients with full documentation were included in this study. Among these, 74 patients were administered regional analgesia. The main regional analgesia techniques were transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath block. The pain scores of those receiving regional analgesia were statistically low. The opioid consumption after transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath block was significantly lower than that of others. External oblique intercostal block alone provides a postoperative opioid consumption similar to those of transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath block.

CONCLUSION

The use of fascial plane blocks in bariatric surgery significantly reduces opioid consumption. Transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath block combination and external oblique intercostal block seem to be the most effective options.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT05284695.

The Effect of Single-Shot Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) on Opioid Consumption for Various Surgeries: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Study Objective

Design

Setting

Patients

Intervention

Measurements

Results

Conclusion

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain and Intraoperative Opioid Consumption in Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is often associated with moderate to severe pain. In patients with obesity, opioids have the potential to induce ventilatory impairment; thus, opioid use needs to be limited. This study aimed to compare the novel ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) technique with controls in terms of intraoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain control.

METHODS

A total of 63 patients with morbid obesity who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery were included in this randomized study. Patients were randomly assigned to the bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) group or the control group. To evaluate perioperative pain and to adjust opioid dose, analgesia nociception index (ANI) was monitored during surgery. Total opioid dose was recorded for each patient. In addition, pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for 24 h following the operation.

RESULTS

Total intraoperative remifentanil dose was significantly lower in the ESPB group when compared to controls (1356.3 ± 177.8 vs. 3273.3 ± 961.9 mcg, p < 0.001). In the ESPB group, none of the patients required additional analgesia during follow-up. In contrast, all control patients required analgesia. ESPB group had significantly lower VAS scores at all postoperative time points (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB appears to be a simple and effective technique to improve perioperative pain control and reduce intraoperative opioid need in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.