Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided unilateral erector spinae plane block for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Although laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is associated with faster return to daily activity, inadequate postoperative pain control can cause prolonged hospital stays and patient discomfort. Erector spinae plane block (ESP) can be administered for postoperative pain management in abdominal and thoracic surgery. We investigated the effects of unilateral ESP block application in laparoscopic hernia surgery.

Methods: A total of 60 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery were included. ESP block was performed in group E (n = 30) after induction of anesthesia. There was no intervention in Group C (n = 30). Postoperative pain was assessed by the patient using the numeric rating scale (NRS) at postanesthetic care unit (PACU),1, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. The quality of postoperative functional recovery was evaluated using the quality of recovery-40 questionnaire.

Results: NRS scores were lower in Group E (n = 30) than in Group C (n = 30) at PACU, 1th, 4th, 6th hours in both rest and movement. Total tramadol consumption was reduced at postoperative 24 h by the ESP block [median(IQR), 60(40) versus 85(30)]. Quality of recovery score of the patients after operation was better in the ESP group than in the control group [mean(SD), 177.9(6.5) in group E and 173.2(7.09) in group C with mean differences: 4.633 and CI: 95% (1.11 to 8.15) respectively].

Discussion: Unilateral ESP blocks in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery reduce both postoperative pain levels and analgesic consumption. In addition, the ESP block could be used safely in pain management of this type of surgery and improve the quality of recovery.