Postoperative Pain Management Using Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Abdominal Surgery: Insights from a Five-Patient Case Series

Authors : Dhwani Jatin Sheth*
Article Categories : Lifestyle
Abstract
Adequate postoperative pain management forms an important part of enhanced recovery following abdominal surgery. Somatic and visceral pain components can significantly impact comfort and recovery. The erector spinae plane block is a relatively new, simple, safe, and effective regional anesthetic technique that, when performed, has the capability of providing extensive analgesia with minimal side effects. The present case series describes five adults undergoing various forms of abdominal surgery, namely exploratory laparotomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, incisional hernia repair, and open appendectomy, in whom ultrasound-guided ESPB at appropriate thoracic levels was performed as a part of the multimodal analgesic regimen. All patients had a preanesthetic evaluation and followed standard fasting protocols. Blocks were performed using either ropivacaine or bupivacaine in clinically safe doses, maintaining careful monitoring for hemodynamic stability. All five cases showed excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia as evidenced by stable vital parameters and a minimum requirement for rescue opioids, along with early postoperative mobilization. Block-related complications did not occur. These findings support that ESPB appears to be effective in providing both somatic and visceral pain relief, enhancing recovery, and forming a useful component in multimodal analgesia, especially in patients with comorbidities or contraindications to neuraxial techniques.