Ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block versus tumescent anesthesia for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare the tumescent anesthesia method and erector spinae block with respect to postoperative analgesia consumption, pain scores and patient satisfaction, in patients receiving breast reduction surgery under general anesthesia. MethodsThe study included 44 females, aged 20-65years, who were to undergo breast reduction surgery, without adjunctive liposuction on the breast. Using the closed envelope method, the patients were randomly separated into two groups to receive tumescent anesthesia or erector spinae block (ESB). Patients in the ESB group received the block before general anesthesia by a single anesthetist (G.o.).ResultsThe 24-h tramadol consumption with PCA, which was the primary outcome of the study, was determined to be statistically significantly less in the ESB group (p<0.001). The NRS scores were compared at 30min postoperatively and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h. At all the measured time points, the pain scores of the ESB group were statistically significantly lower (p<0.001). Additional analgesia was required by one patient in the ESB group and by seven patients in the tumescent group and was applied as 1g paracetamol. The requirement for additional analgesia was statistically significantly lower in the ESB group (p<0.024). Patient satisfaction was statistically significantly better in the ESB group (p<0.001).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, bilateral ESB performed under ultrasound guidance in breast reduction surgery was more effective than tumescent anesthesia concerning postoperative analgesia consumption and pain scores. ESB could be an appropriate, effective and safe postoperative analgesia method for patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty surgery.Level of Evidence IIThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article