Erector spinae plane block as a rescue therapy in following cholecystectomy: a historical cohort study

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a rescue therapy in the recovery room.Materials and methods: This single-center historical cohort study included patients who received either ESPB or intravenous meperidine for pain management in the recovery room.Patients' numeric rating scale (NRS) scores and opoid consumptions were evaluated.Results: One hundred and eight patients were included in the statistical analysis.Sixty-two (57%) patients received ESPB postoperatively (pESPB) and 46 (43%) patients were managed with IV meperidine boluses only (IV).The cumulative meperidine doses administered were 0 (0-40) and 30 (10-80) mg for the pESPB and IV groups, respectively (p < 0.001).NRS scores of group pESPB were significantly lower than those of Group IV on T30 and T60.Conclusion: ESPB reduces the frequency of opioid administration and the amount of opioids administered in the early post-operative period.When post-operative rescue therapy is required, it should be considered before opioids.