Effective control of severe post-thoracotomy pain is pivotal for minimizing pulmonary complications and enhancing patient comfort. This prospective, randomized, three-arm study compared the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) with conventional intravenous opioid-based care. Seventy-two ASA I-II patients aged 18-80 years undergoing elective thoracotomy were block-randomized to receive TEA, ESPB, or no regional intervention (control). All procedures were performed at the end of surgery before emergence from anesthesia. Pain intensity was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Additional outcomes included time to first rescue opioid, total tramadol consumption, time to modified Aldrete score (MAS) ≥ 9, patient satisfaction, and length of hospital stay.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
72
Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
Edirne, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of regional techniques
The analgesic efficacy of TEA and ESP blocks after thoracotomy surgeries was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively in terms of VAS scores and analgesic drug consumption. The frequency and amount of tramadol and fentanyl analgesic drug consumption were recorded in the postoperative period. VAS scores were monitored at the specified times. The results were compared, and analgesic efficacy was evaluated. In addition, patient satisfaction (1: excellent, 2: good, 3: moderate, 4: poor), intensive care unit and hospital stay, and postoperative recovery time (using the modified aldarate score) were evaluated.
Time frame: THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER THORACOTOMY SURGERY
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