Comparison of ultrasound guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients; a prospective randomized study

Study objective: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is a recently described block. Both ESPB and Quadratus Lumborum block type II (QLB-II) have been reported to provide effective postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In this study, we compared the postoperative analgesic effects of ESPB and QLB-II in patients undergoing LC. Design: Assessor Blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting: Tertiary hospital, postoperative recovery room & ward. Patients: 80 patients (ASA I-II) were recruited. Patients were allocated in to two equal groups (ESB and QLB-II). All patients were included in analysis. Interventions: Standard multimodal analgesia was performed in all groups. ESPB and QLB-II were performed under ultrasound guidance. Measurements: Mean opioid consumptions and Numeric Rating Scores was measured during the first 24 postoperative hours. Main results: Demographic data was similar between groups. There was no difference between NRS scores and opioid consumption at any hour between the groups. Conclusion: While ESPB and QLB-II are not significantly different, they improve analgesia quality in patients undergoing LC.