Erector Spinae Plane block Versus Transversalis Fascia Plane Block Guided by Ultrasound for Pain Control Following Unilateral Abdominal Surgeries under Subarachnoid Anesthesia

Background: Postoperative complications are increased if postoperative pain is uncontrolled. This can be improved with regional blocks especially in postoperative period. Moreover, complications are reduced by using one analgesia technique. Aim of the Work: Our purpose was to compare Transversalis Fascia plane Block (TFP) and erector Spinae Plane Block (ESP). Patients and Methods: Sixty patients who had unilateral abdominal surgery and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were divided into two equal groups Group I who received ultrasound (US) guided unilateral Transversalis Fascia Plane (TFP) Block and Group II who received US guided unilateral Erector Spinae plane (ESP) block. Primary outcome were VAS score, block duration, total pethidine usage in the first day, number of patients required postoperative pethidine, frequency of analgesic requested in the first postoperative 24 hrs, and patient satisfaction scale. Secondary outcome was recoding any adverse effects or complications. Results: VAS was lower in group II compared to group I at 8 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs postoperative both at rest and movement. Frequency of analgesic doses and usage of analgesics in the first day postoperatively were lower in group II compared to group I. Analgesic periods (hrs) were more prolonged in group II compared to group I. No complications were reported in both groups. Conclusion: ESP was superior to TFP block as it produces less VAS, less frequency of analgesic request, less analgesic consumption, longer analgesic period.