Ultrasound guided pre-emptive erector spinae plane block as a part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in abdominal surgeries

Abdominal surgeries are associated with significant post-operative pain attributable to large incisions, exploration, drain tube placement and distension. This pain will greatly affect recovery of patient. In this report of six cases, we observed safety, efficacy and role of ultrasound guided single shot pre-emptive erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients scheduled for various elective abdominal surgeries, open or laparoscopic, in a tertiary care centre. Ultrasound guided single shot ESPB was administered with bupivacaine with or without adjunct. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for pain using visual analog scale, need for rescue analgesia and duration of stay in hospital. Patients receiving ultrasound guided ESPB had better outcomes in terms of analgesia, reduced opioid usage and early mobilization and early discharge from hospital.