Erector Spinae Plane Block for Paediatric Upper Abdominal Surgery

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Paediatric Upper Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Upper abdominal surgeries are associated with severe postoperative pain. Thus, maintaining effective postoperative analgesia in the paediatric age group is very crucial in terms of future pain perception and chronic pain development. Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is an interfascial plane block characterized by its ease of application and low complication rates with the introduction of ultrasonography. The aim of this study is to investigate the analgesic effects of ESPB in this particular age-group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA I - II.
• Elective open upper abdominal surgeries, e.g., open cholecystectomy, splenectomy, pyeloplasty, renal cysts excision, partial or total nephrectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient's next of kin refusal.
• Allergy to local anaesthetics.
• Infection at the site of injection.
• Coagulopathy.