Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing pediatric abdominal surgery: a randomized study

Background: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can provide effective analgesia in pediatric abdominal surgery. Additionally, when used as an analgesic method in abdominal surgery, ESPB may increase regional intra-abdominal tissue oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) throughout the operation. However, the number of related studies conducted on pediatric patients is insufficient. Results: Fifty-two patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery were allocated into two groups, the ESPB (E) and the control (C). Group E received general anesthesia plus unilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB, and group C received general anesthesia alone. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, time to first rescue analgesia and adverse events were recorded over the first 24 h postoperatively. The rSO(2) level was evaluated in both groups throughout the operation. The FLACC score was significantly lower in group E than in group C (p<0.05). Four patients in group E required intraoperative fentanyl compared to 12 patients in group C (p<0.05). The first rescue analgesic administration time was significantly longer in group E than in group C (p<0.05). No significant difference in rSO(2) values was detected between the groups (p>0.05). However, in group E, rSO(2) values were significantly increased after the block compared to the postinduction values. Conclusions: ESPB provides effective perioperative analgesia in children undergoing low abdominal surgery. Although there was no significant difference in rSO(2) values between the groups, ESPB administration consistently increases rSO(2) over time.