Erector spinae plane block for radiofrequency ablation of hepatic focal lesions: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study evaluated the opioid sparing and pain relief effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic focal lesions under conscious sedation.

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Tanta University Hospitals.

Patients: Fifty patients aged 30-60 years old and eligible for RFA of hepatic focal lesions were included.

Interventions: Patients randomized to receive either local anesthetic infiltration (group I) or ESPB (group II). Both groups received sedation by propofol infusion.

Main outcome measure(s): The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption. Secondary outcomes were nonverbal pain score (NVPS), time to first analgesic request post-procedure, radiologist's satisfaction, and complications.

Results: In group I, NVPS was significantly increased at 10, 15, 25, and 30 minutes during RFA compared to group II (p = 0.008, <0.001, 0.018, and 0.001, respectively) with no significant differences on arrival to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and after 1 hour. Total fentanyl consumption during the procedure was significantly increased in group I compared to group II (160.9 ± 38.2 and 76 ± 21 µg, respectively; p < 0.001) with prolonged time to first analgesia request post-procedure in group II compared to group I (392.7 ± 38.8 and 101.1 ± 13.6 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001). The level of radiologist's satisfaction was significantly increased in the group II (p = 0.010). Three patients in group I and one patient in group II needed general anesthesia. Lower incidence of complications in group II occurred with statistical insignificance.

Conclusions: The ESPB provided adequate analgesia and reduced opioids consumption during the hepatic RFA, with high radiologist's satisfaction.