Use of Erector Spinae Plane Block in Thoracic Surgery Leads to Rapid Recovery from Anesthesia

Abstract Background Ultrasound guidance has resulted in a continuous evolution in techniques for pain control for video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The objective of this study was to compare Erector Spinae Plane blocks (ESP) with intercostal blocks (ICB) as part of multi-modal analgesia in quality of postoperative pain control and preservation of pulmonary function after VATS. Methods A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective VATS were enrolled in the study and divided into the ESP and ICB block groups. Spirometry and visual analog pain scores (VAS) exams were performed to measure Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and Forced Expiratory Flow in intervals 25% to 75% (FEF25-75). Chronic pain was assessed by reviewing the surgical follow up note. Results A total of 78 patients were included. Comparing ESP with ICB groups there was significant improvement in VAS pain score (3.2 vs 6.4; p Conclusions Erector spinae plane block improves acute as well as chronic pain control and preserves lung function, thus it has a potential for enhanced recovery from VATS as part of a multi-modal analgesia.