Volume 11,Issue 4
Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Thoracoscopic Surgery: Analgesic Efficacy and Safety Evaluation
Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. One hundred patients scheduled for elective thoracoscopic surgery were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group receiving ESPB combined with general anesthesia (n = 50) and a control group receiving general anesthesia alone (n = 50). Postoperative pain intensity measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at multiple time points, total opioid consumption, incidence of adverse events, and quality of postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups. Results: Resting NRS scores at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Morphine equivalent consumption over 48 hours was reduced by approximately 47%. The rate of rescue analgesia was markedly lower in the experimental group (18% vs. 52%). Opioid-related adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, and urinary retention, occurred less frequently in the experimental group. Hospital stay was shorter, pulmonary function recovery was superior, and the incidence of chronic pain at 3 months postoperatively was significantly reduced (4% vs. 18%). No serious complications, such as pneumothorax or local anesthetic toxicity, were observed throughout the study. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided ESPB is safe and reliable. It effectively reduces postoperative pain, decreases opioid consumption, and promotes enhanced recovery in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. These findings support its broader clinical application.
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