ESP Block, CNP and QoL After VATS

Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block, Incidence of Chronic Neuropathic Pain (CNP) and Quality of Life (QoL) After VATS. An Observational Study.

The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is an adequate alternative for pain management after video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). The incidence of postoperative chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ESPB after VATS remain unknown. We hypothesised that patients with ESPB would have a low incidence of acute and CNP and would report a good QoL up to three months after VATS.

We, therefore, performed this prospective observational study. The a priori primary outcome was incidence of CNP three months postoperatively (POP) in patients undergoing VATS surgery with ESPB as the regional anaesthesia technique. The secondary outcome was to describe pain control at PACU, 12 and 24 hours POP and QoL reported up to three months after surgery. We hypothesised that patients with ESPB would have a low incidence of acute and CNP and report a good QoL.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who underwent VATS and required at least one day of hospital stay after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with mental or physical limitation to answer the questionnaires.
• patients who required mechanical ventilation.
• patients who required surgery conversion to thoracotomy.
• patients who declined consent.