OBJECTIVE

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. Therefore, improved postoperative pain management is crucial for enhancing the overall patient experience and recovery.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled 40 male patients with a unilateral inguinal hernia at Xi'an Aerospace General Hospital from November 1, 2020, to February 1, 2021. Participants were assigned through a random number table at a 1:1 ratio to receive either ESPB with 20 ml 0.5% ropivacaine in the experimental group (Group E) or ESPB with 20 ml normal saline in the control group (Group C), with 20 cases in each group. The primary outcome was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for exercise pain at 2h, 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included time lapses before patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) use, intraoperative remifentanil usage, additional sufentanil, postoperative nalbuphine consumption, analgesic remedies at 24h postoperatively, and incidence of postoperative adverse events.

RESULTS

Group E provided more pain mitigation for patients than Group C, as evidenced by the significantly lower VAS scores during exercise pain at 2h (Group C: 1.95±1.19; Group E:4.00±1.38), 6h (Group C: 2.00±1.12; Group E:3.90±1.37), and 12h (Group C: 2.05±1.05; Group E:3.55±1.36) postoperatively (P < .05), and the pain mitigation for Group C was significant only at 18h and 24h postoperatively compared to at 2h postoperatively (P < .05). Group E resulted in significantly reduced intraoperative use of remifentanil and, additional sufentanil and postoperative nalbuphine consumption versus Group C (P < .05). Group E exhibited a better pain tolerance than Group C, as demonstrated by the longer time lapse before the use of PCIA (RR value=5.709, t=8.446, P < .05). Group C required more analgesic remedies within 24 h after surgery than Group E (P < .05). Group E did not increase the risk of postoperative adverse events, given the absence of statistical significance in the intergroup comparison (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided ESPB demonstrates notable benefits by decreasing intraoperative and postoperative anesthetic drug requirements, enhancing pain management, and elevating postoperative comfort and quality of life for patients. While acknowledging the study's limitations, it is crucial to highlight the potential clinical implications of these findings. The incorporation of ESPB with ropivacaine into postoperative pain management protocols could represent a significant advancement in clinical practice. The observed improvements in pain management and reduced reliance on anesthetic drugs may lead to more tailored and efficient postoperative care, potentially enhancing patient recovery experiences. Further research and practical implementation studies are warranted to fully elucidate the specific impact and optimal integration of ESPB with ropivacaine within broader clinical settings.