ESP Block vs. EXORA Block for Postoperative Pain in Nephrectomy

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the effects of two pain control techniques used after laparoscopic nephrectomy (kidney removal surgery) in adults. The study will compare Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block and External Oblique Rectus Abdominis (EXORA) block, which are both used as part of routine medical care to help control pain after surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do ESP block and EXORA block differ in how well they control pain after surgery? Do ESP block and EXORA block differ in their effects on recovery quality and the need for additional pain medication? Researchers will compare participants who receive ESP block with participants who receive EXORA block as part of routine clinical care. Participants will: Undergo laparoscopic nephrectomy according to routine clinical practice. Receive either ESP block or EXORA block based on the treating anesthesiologist's usual clinical preference. Complete a recovery questionnaire before surgery and 24 hours after surgery. Have pain scores, use of additional pain medication, nausea and vomiting, and other routine postoperative measurements recorded during the first 24 hours after surgery.

In routine practice at our institution, anesthesia clinicians performing laparoscopic nephrectomy administer either an Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block or an External Oblique Rectus Abdominis (EXORA) block based solely on individual clinician preference. The researcher does not influence this decision. Among the eligible patients, those receiving either ESP or EXORA block will be included and evaluated observationally. Block types other than these two will not be included. All postoperative visits and clinical follow-ups are routinely conducted by the hospital's pain management team. The researcher does not intervene in these clinical processes and is only responsible for obtaining informed consent, recording demographic variables, documenting the type of block performed, and administering the QoR-15 questionnaire preoperatively and at postoperative 24 hours. Preoperative evaluation and necessary laboratory testing are carried out according to standard hospital practice by the attending anesthesiologist. In the operating room, standard monitoring (non-invasive blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) is applied. Anesthesia induction is performed using standard agents and general anesthesia is maintained according to the clinician's routine practice. For postoperative analgesia, all patients routinely receive intravenous paracetamol 1 g every 8 hours. Rescue analgesia consists of intravenous tramadol 1 mg/kg when NRS ≥4. After surgery, patients are monitored in the PACU and transferred to the ward once their Aldrete score is ≥9. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are assessed using a verbal descriptive scale (0-4) and intravenous ondansetron 4 mg is administered for PONV ≥2.