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

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 block with intercostal block as multimodal analgesia to elucidate quality of postoperative pain control and preservation of pulmonary function after VATS.

Methods: A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective VATS was enrolled in the study and divided into erector spinae plane block and intercostal block groups. Spirometry and visual analog scale pain score exams were performed to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow in intervals of 25% to 75%. Chronic pain was assessed by reviewing surgical follow-up notes.

Results: Seventy-eight patients were included. Comparing the erector spinae plane block group with the intercostal block group found significant improvement in visual analog scale pain score (3.2 vs 6.4, P < .001), postanesthesia care unit length of stay (127.3 vs 189.5 minutes, P = .045), preservation in lung volume parameters at 2 hours (FVC: 40.5% vs 51.4%, P < .001; FEV₁: 40.9% vs 53.8%, P < .001; and forced expiratory flow in intervals of 25%-75%: 39.7% vs 53.7%, P = .019) and at 24 hours (FVC: 37.8% vs 50.5%, P < .001; FEV₁: 34.3% vs 51.9%, P < .001; forced expiratory flow in intervals of 25%-75%: 27.1% vs 56.3%, P < .001), respectively.

Conclusions: Erector spinae plane block improves acute and chronic pain control and preserves lung function. Thus, it has the potential for enhanced recovery from VATS as part of a multimodal analgesia regimen.