Effectiveness of ESP Block as Post-Operative Analgesia in Comparison with Opioid Analgesia for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: In our country, the role of Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESP) for post-operative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not yet been investigated. As a result, the study was designed to compare the effectiveness of ESP block as post-operative analgesia to opioid analgesia for pain control following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ESP block as post-operative analgesia in comparison with opioid analgesia. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the department of surgery with collaboration of department of Anaesthesiology in CMH for 6 months of period. Before commencement of the study formal ethical clearance was taken from the Ethical Committee of DGMS Army. Total 60 patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups (30 patients in each group). total 30 Patients, received both GA and ultrasound guided ESP block were assigned as group E and 30 Patients, received GA and opioid analgesia were in group N. Informed written consent was taken from each subject and ethical measures were followed strictly in whole study. Following data collection, data were analyzed by the SPSS 24. Results: In terms of age, sex, BMI and ASA grading, the two groups had identical demographic features (p>0.05 in all cases). There was no significant difference in pre-operative, post-operative, or recovery room heart rate (p>0.05) or mean arterial pressure (p>0.05). In the recovery room, group E has significantly less pain than group N (3.67±0.802 vs 4.3±0.877; p<0.05). A similar improvement was seen in group E at 6, 12 and 24 hours (p<0.05 in all follow ups). Post-operative analgesic consumption was similarly higher in group N at 1, 12, and 24 hours (p<0.05 in all follow up). Except for nausea, which was more common in group N (p<0.05), complications were similar in both groups. ......