The use of erector spinae versus transversus abdominis blocks in ovarian surgery: A randomized, comparative study

Introduction: Inadequate pain control after major surgery can lead to significant complications. Ultrasound (US) guided plane blocks account for significant progress in regional anesthesia. Objectives: This study explored the analgesic superiority of ultrasound-guided erector spinae (ESPB) and transversus abdominis (TAPB) plane blocks in patients undergoing major ovarian cancer surgery under general anesthesia. There have been no previous studies comparing their efficacy under these circumstances. Methods: This double-blind randomized comparative study included 60 patients undergoing major ovarian cancer surgery under general anesthesia. The ESPB group (n=30), received preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB and the TAPB group (n=30), received preoperative low TAPB. Opioid consumption, HR, MAP, visual analogue scale (VAS) and adverse events were documented over 24 hours after surgery. Results: There was a highly significant difference in tramadol consumption between the two groups, with (95% CI: 16.23 to 50.43) and (95% CI: 59.23 to 95.43) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was shown in intraoperative fentanyl consumption with (95% CI: 113 to 135.6) and (95% CI: 141.8 to 167.6) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively. A highly significant longer time to first analgesic request was recorded in the ESPB group (95% CI: 5.5 -15.3) (P < 0.001). VAS had a median of 2 (1-3) and 4 (2-6) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively, with F(1)=18.15, P=0.001 between groups. Postoperative HR and MAP in the TAPB group were significantly higher with more incidence of PONV. Conclusions: ESPB provided a more reliable analgesia versus TAPB in patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery.