Effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for pain relief in patients after rib tumor resection

Objective To explore the effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block(ESPB) for pain relief in patient after rib tumor resection. Methods A total of 40 patients (American Society of AnesthesiologistsⅠ-Ⅱ) undergoing rib tumor resection were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in group G received general anesthesia alone. Meanwhile, those in group E underwent ultrasound-guided ESPB combined under general anesthesia, and 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered at the ESPB where rib tumor was located. Both groups received patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The segments of sensory block on mid-axillary line were recorded 20 min after ESPB. The doses of remifentanil, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate were recorded before entry into the operation room, after anesthesia induction, when the skin was excised, 30 min after surgery began and at the end of surgery. The rest and active visual analogue scale (VAS) at 1, 4, 12, 24 h and 36 h after operation, average hospitalization stay and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results Patients in group E reported 5.2±0.9 sensory block 20 min after ESPB. Compared with group G, group E used a less dose of remifentanil during operation, and demonstrated decreased MAP and heart rate when the skin was excised and at the end of surgery (P<0.05). Compared with group G, group E presented lower the rest and active VAS at 1, 4, 12, 24 h and 36h after operation and average hospitalization stay (P<0.05). Compared with group G, group E presented better patient satisfaction (P<0.05). Conclusions ESPB is safe and effective for patient after excision of rib tumor, with good patient satisfaction. Key words: Erector spinae plane block; Ultrasonic monitoring; Ribs; Bone neoplasms; Postoperative analgesia