Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Preoperative Erector Spinae Plane Block on Recovery Quality, Time to Return to Daily Activities, and Postoperative Pain Scores in Inguinal Hernia Surgery

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB), performed after surgery, on quality of recovery, postoperative pain, and time to return to daily activities in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. Postoperative pain following inguinal hernia surgery may delay recovery and negatively affect patients' return to normal daily life. Although ESPB has been widely used as an effective analgesic technique in various surgical procedures, its effectiveness in inguinal hernia repair remains limited and not well established. In this randomized controlled study, patients will be divided into two groups: one group will receive ESPB after surgery, while the control group will not receive any block. All patients will receive standard postoperative analgesia. Quality of recovery, acute pain scores, and analgesic consumption will be assessed within the first 24 hours after surgery, and return to daily activities will be evaluated 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome of this study is quality of recovery assessed using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire. QoR-15 scores range from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating better recovery. Scores will be recorded preoperatively and 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain intensity, total opioid consumption, and time to return to daily activities. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable, at 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, as well as 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Total opioid consumption will be determined by recording the cumulative dose of intravenous tramadol administered as rescue analgesia within the first 24 hours after surgery. Time to return to daily activities will be evaluated via telephone follow-up 30 days after surgery.

Comparison of Intertransverse Process and Erector Spinae Plane Blocks in Acute Postoperative Analgesia Management for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of benign gallbladder diseases; however, despite its minimally invasive nature, a significant proportion of patients experience substantial early postoperative pain, which impacts patient comfort and the duration of hospital stay. The current PROSPECT review and previous studies emphasize that this pain is multifactorial-comprising somatic, visceral, and phrenic nerve-mediated shoulder-tip components-and therefore advocate for an opioid-sparing multimodal analgesic approach. Within this framework, first-line recommendations include paracetamol, NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors, dexamethasone, and local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical site and/or intraperitoneal cavity, alongside appropriate regional blocks; opioids should be reserved solely for rescue analgesia \[1-3\]. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia blocks are increasingly utilized for acute visceral pain conditions, such as renal colic \[4\]. The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is an interfacial block performed in the thoracic paraspinal region, and it is hypothesized that its extensive spread may influence somatic and, to some extent, visceral pain pathways \[5\]. Nevertheless, anatomical and clinical studies report inconsistent effects of ESPB on visceral pain, noting that local anesthetics may not consistently reach the paravertebral space, thereby leading to variable block efficacy \[6,7\]. Consequently, the Intertransverse Process Block (ITPB), which targets a plane anatomically closer to the paravertebral space, has been described in recent years as an alternative technique. ITPB is performed by injecting local anesthetic into the interfacial space adjacent to the retro-superior costotransverse ligament; it is reported to carry a low risk of complications as it does not require direct orientation toward the pleura or neuraxial structures \[8\]. Clinical trials indicate that ITPB provides analgesic efficacy comparable to paravertebral blocks in both thoracic and abdominal surgeries and reduces opioid consumption \[9\]. Furthermore, anatomical studies suggest that the probability of local anesthetic spread into the paravertebral space is higher with ITPB than with ESPB \[10\]. However, a randomized controlled trial comparing ESPB and ITPB in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently lacking in the literature. Therefore, the present study was designed to address this gap.

Erector Spinae Block Versus Combined Pecto-intercostal and Recto-intercostal Fascial Plane Block in Cardiac Surgery

The aim of this study is to compare the analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block versus ultrasound-guided bilateral combined Pecto-intercostal fascial plane block and recto-intercostal fascial plane block in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Caudal Block in Pediatric Patients Aged 1 to 8 Years Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgery

In routine pediatric surgical practice, lower abdominal surgeries are commonly performed. Inadequate control of postoperative pain can hinder functional recovery and may lead to negative behavioral changes as well as parental dissatisfaction. Regional anesthesia techniques are widely recommended for pain management in pediatric surgery, as they reduce the need for parenteral opioids and improve the effectiveness of postoperative pain control, patient comfort, and parental satisfaction. Various nerve block techniques have been developed to enhance postoperative analgesia and facilitate recovery in pediatric patients. However, there is still no consensus regarding the most effective regional anesthesia strategy for pediatric surgical procedures. Among regional anesthesia techniques used for pain management in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery, caudal block remains the most commonly applied method. The introduction of real-time ultrasound guidance has improved the reliability and safety of caudal blocks. Nevertheless, a major limitation of this technique is its relatively short duration of action following a single injection, even when long-acting local anesthetics or adjuvant agents are used. Consequently, several fascial plane blocks, such as the quadratus lumborum block, transversus abdominis plane block, and rectus sheath block, have been proposed as alternative approaches for postoperative analgesia in children. The erector spinae plane block is a regional anesthesia technique that has been applied at thoracic, lumbar, cervical, and sacral levels for both acute and chronic pain management. By providing blockade of both somatic and visceral pain pathways, it has demonstrated effective postoperative analgesic properties in a variety of thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures. The technique involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the interfascial plane between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse process, allowing longitudinal spread of the anesthetic across multiple spinal levels. With a growing body of evidence supporting its feasibility and effectiveness, the erector spinae plane block has gained increasing attention in pediatric anesthesia practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and caudal block in pediatric patients undergoing unilateral lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. The primary objective is to compare postoperative pain levels between the two techniques using the FLACC score, which assesses facial expression, leg position, activity, crying, and consolability. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of intraoperative heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, block application times, parental satisfaction, and the incidence of postoperative side effects.

Intermittent Erector Spinae Plane Block Via Subcutaneous Port for Cancer Pain

Cancer-related pain is a common and challenging problem in patients with lung cancer, often requiring long-term pain management. Conventional pain treatments, including systemic medications, may not provide adequate relief or may cause significant side effects. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a regional anesthesia technique that can help reduce pain by delivering local anesthetic near the nerves supplying the chest wall. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intermittent ESP block administered through a subcutaneous port for controlling cancer-related pain in patients with lung cancer. Eligible patients with lung cancer and moderate to severe pain will receive intermittent ESP block injections via a subcutaneous port as part of their pain management plan. Pain intensity, analgesic requirements, and potential side effects will be assessed over time. The results of this study may help determine whether intermittent ESP block via a subcutaneous port is a useful and feasible option for improving pain control and quality of life in patients with lung cancer.

Costotransverse Foramen Block With Erector Spinae Plane Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy

This study aims to compare the costotransverse foramen block with erector spinae plane block in modified radical mastectomy.

Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries.

Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae and Rectus Sheath Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and rectus sheet block on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair.

Edge of Laminar Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

This study aims to compare the ultrasound-guided edge of laminar block (ELB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Ultrasound Guided Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Ultrasound Guided Caudal Block in Pediatric Undergoing Hypospadias Surgery

Randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blinded clinical trial at Tanta University Hospitals comparing ultrasound-guided sacral erector spinae plane block (sESPB) versus ultrasound-guided caudal epidural block for postoperative analgesia in male children (1-5 years) undergoing hypospadias repair. Seventy participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive sESPB or caudal block with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.5-1 mL/kg; maximum 20 mL) after induction of general anesthesia. The primary outcome is pain over the first 24 hours, assessed using the FLACC scale at prespecified time points. Secondary outcomes include total opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, parent/guardian satisfaction, hemodynamic trends, and predefined adverse effects (e.g., motor weakness, urinary retention, respiratory depression, hematoma, infection at injection site). Perioperative care is standardized; rescue pethidine is administered when FLACC ≥4. The trial evaluates whether sESPB provides superior or comparable analgesia with fewer adverse effects than caudal block.

Infrared Thermography for Prediction of Successful Erector Spinae Plane Block in Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Paediatric Patients

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of temperature change (ΔT) measurements using infrared thermography to predict a successful erector spinae plane block in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.

ESP vs. EXORA Blocks for Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy may experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. Effective postoperative analgesia enhances patient comfort and accelerates recovery. This study aims to compare the effects of Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) and External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane (EXORA) blocks on postoperative pain management and analgesic consumption. The study is designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Patients will be randomly assigned to groups, and both practitioners and evaluators will be blinded to group assignments. Our hypothesis is that the EXORA block will provide superior analgesia and require less analgesic consumption compared to the ESP block. The results will be assessed in terms of postoperative pain management, patient comfort, and additional analgesic requirements.

Dexamethasone Versus Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Elective Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

This study aims to compare the efficacy of adding dexamethasone and magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in bilateral erector spinae block in postoperative pain control in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

The Relationship Between NLR and PONV and ESPB

This study aims to investigate whether preoperative NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio) serves as a biomarker for PONV (Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting). It also examines the impact of erector spinae plane block on NLR and PONV. Furthermore, the research explores the effect of erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain relief in spinal surgery and its influence on the usage of opioid medications.

Patients' Positions on Analgesic Efficacy of ESPB

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if patients remaining different positions for 30min after receiving ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block influenced the postoperative analgesia. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does patients maintain prone position or lateral position for 30 min after ESPB provided superior analgesic effect than in the supine position? Is ESPB not inferior to PVB considering postoperative opioid consumption ? Researchers will compare the opioid consumption 24h postoperatively among the patients remaining supine, lateral, prone position after ESPB and PVB to see if patients maintaining lateral or prone position provided excellent postoperative analgesia. Participants will: Maintaining supine lateral or prone position for 30 min following ESPB or receiving PVB. Receiving postoperative NRS and QoR assessment

Comparison of the Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block in Postoperative Analgesia Management After Abdominoplasty

Introduction: Abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, rectus sheath plication, and umbilical transposition. The number of cosmetic abdominoplasty procedures has been steadily increasing in recent years. Due to extensive tissue manipulation and large incisions during surgery, postoperative pain has become a significant concern. Studies report that up to 80% of patients experience postoperative pain; however, fewer than half of these patients receive adequate analgesia. Improving postoperative pain control has been shown to facilitate early mobilization, reduce hospital length of stay, lower healthcare costs, and enhance patient satisfaction. Therefore, ensuring effective postoperative analgesia has become a critical aspect of patient management. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and erector spinae plane (ESP) block are peripheral nerve block techniques that can be used as part of a multimodal analgesia approach for postoperative pain management after abdominoplasty. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of TAP and ESP blocks on postoperative pain in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Aim/Hypothesis: H0: There is a significant difference in the analgesic efficacy between ultrasound-guided ESP and TAP blocks in postoperative pain management after abdominoplasty. H1: There is not a significant difference in the analgesic efficacy between ultrasound-guided ESP and TAP blocks in postoperative pain management after abdominoplasty. Materials and Methods: Our study was designed as a retrospective analysis. Patient records and hospital database will be reviewed to identify all patients who underwent abdominoplasty and received TAP block or ESP block for postoperative analgesia. Demographic data including age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, as well as comorbidities and medications used will be recorded on case report forms. The type of block performed (TAP or ESP) and postoperative pain scores obtained from pain assessment forms using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively will be documented. In addition, data from the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device will be recorded, including number of doses demanded (DEM) and number of doses delivered (DEL). Other parameters such as additional analgesic requirements, postoperative nausea and vomiting, itching and patient satisfaction will also be recorded.

The Effectiveness of Ultra-Sound Guided Erector Spinae Block With Betamethasone for Management of Truncal Chronic Post Herpetic Neuralgia.

To investigate the effectiveness of ultra-Sound guided Erector spinae block (ESB) with Betamethasone as an adjuvant to standard medical protocol in the management of truncal chronic post herpetic neuralgia.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Children Undergoing Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy

This study aims to evaluate the influence of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain and diaphragmatic dysfunction in pediatric patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Different Injection Speed on Local Anaesthetic Spread of ESPB

The aim of this clinical trial is to investigate the effect of different injection speeds on the spread of local anesthetic during ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing CT-guided lung nodule localization. The primary question addressed is whether a high injection speed (30 ml delivered within 30 seconds) produces a different local anesthetic distribution compared with a lower injection speed (30 ml delivered within 180 seconds).

Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine in Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), typically performed through a median sternotomy, causes significant postoperative pain. Managing this pain effectively while reducing reliance on opioids is essential, as opioids can lead to side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, and potential for dependence. Regional anesthesia techniques like the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) have emerged as promising tools to control pain and support recovery. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluates whether adding dexmedetomidine, a sedative and analgesic, to ropivacaine, a local anesthetic, in bilateral ESPB can improve pain control after off-pump CABG surgery. The study is conducted at the Lebanese American University Medical Center - Rizk Hospital. A total of 110 adult patients undergoing elective surgery are randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. Group R: Receives ropivacaine alone in the ESPB. 2. Group RD: Receives ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine. The nerve block is administered before anesthesia. The primary outcome is the duration of effective pain relief (pain score ≤4) before the patient needs opioid medication, assessed up to 24 hours after extubation. Secondary outcomes include: 1. Pain scores monitored for up to 48 hours post-extubation 2. Total intraoperative opioid use 3. Time to extubation, ambulation, and incentive spirometry use 4. ICU stay duration 5. Side effects such as nausea, bradycardia, or local anesthetic toxicity This study supports efforts to reduce opioid use after heart surgery while maintaining effective pain management, aligning with enhanced recovery protocols and addressing the broader public health challenge of opioid overuse.

Erector Spinae Plane Block v.s Patient Controlled Analgesia in Correction Surgery for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliosis correction surgery involves extensive surgical wounds, intense intraoperative stimulation, and severe postoperative pain, often necessitating the use of potent opioids. However, there is a critical clinical need for effective pain management strategies that both ensure sufficient analgesia and minimize opioid-related adverse effects. The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) has shown promise as an effective analgesic technique, but its application in scoliosis correction surgery has not been reported.We hypothesize that ESPB provides superior postoperative analgesia compared to patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) pumps. Specifically, ESPB is expected to significantly reduce postoperative pain scores, decrease perioperative opioid consumption, and mitigate opioid-related side effects. This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 40 participants undergoing scoliosis correction surgery, randomized into two groups: the ESPB group and the PCA group. The primary outcome measure is the resting pain score at 2 hours postoperatively, which will be used to evaluate the efficacy of ESPB. Secondary outcomes include perioperative opioid consumption and the incidence of opioid-related adverse effects. The study aims to provide evidence for ESPB as an innovative and effective method for postoperative analgesia in scoliosis correction surgery.

Efficacy of Interventional Methods Used in the Treatment of Coccydynia

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sacral erector spinae plane block and caudal epidural injection in patients with coccydynia resistant to conservative treatments. Ultrasound guidance will be used for sacral erector spinae plane block, while fluoroscopic guidance will be applied for caudal epidural injection. The effectiveness of these treatments will be assessed through face-to-face questionnaires, the Numerical Rating Scale and the Paris Functional Coccydynia Scale at first, fourth and twelfth-week follow-ups.

Dexamethasone vs. Dexmedetomidine for ESPB in Pain Management After Spine Surgery

Effect of perineurial dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine on erector spinal plane block duration for spine surgery.