Erector Spinae Plane Block Reduces Postoperative Pain and Narcotic Utilization Compared With Transversus Abdominis Plane Block After Cystectomy With Urinary Diversion

Background: Regional analgesia is a critical component of enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for cystectomy, but there is little research comparing different modalities. Transversus abdominis plane block is a well-established procedure used for postoperative regional analgesia, whereas erector spinae plane block is a recently described technique that some contend improves pain control. Objective: We sought to compare these modalities in patients undergoing cystectomy, with primary end points of pain scores and total narcotic utilization measured in morphine milliequivalents. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 77 consecutive patients who underwent open radical cystectomy. Patients who did not undergo erector spinae plane block or transversus abdominis plane block or who used chronic narcotics were excluded. Pain intensity scores were measured immediately postoperatively and in 24-hour intervals until 72 hours postoperatively. Cumulative narcotic utilization at 72 hours, return to bowel function, and length of stay were measured. Results: Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Seventeen patients underwent erector spinae plane block and 34 transversus abdominis plane block. Erector spinae plane block patients reported lower pain scores immediately postoperatively ( P = .046), at 48 hours ( P = .019), and 72 hours ( P = .019). Erector spinae plane block patients used less narcotics after 72 hours than transversus abdominis plane block patients (median: 62.50 morphine milliequivalents vs 146.25 morphine milliequivalents, P = .008). Conclusions: Compared with transversus abdominis plane block, erector spinae plane block reduced total narcotic utilization by 234% while also reducing subjective patient pain scores. Increased adoption of erector spinae plane block could have major impacts on both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.