Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Bilateral Erector Spinae Block in Attenuating Pneumoperitoneal Stretch Response in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surg

Background: Increase in heart rate and blood pressure in response to pneumoperitoneum produced during laparoscopic abdominal surgeries is a challenging situation to anesthesiologists. Without adequate control of sympathetic response there is a chance of increase in morbidity of the patient during perioperative period. Aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral erector spinae plane block in attenuating pneumoperitoneal stretch response in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia. Methodology: A randomised control trial was conducted among 70 patients, who underwent laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Under general anesthesia, 35 patients received ESP block with 20 ml of 0.25 levobupivacaine bilaterally (Group B) and 35 patients without block (Group R). This study compared requirement of opioids and response of hemodynamic parameters (Heart Rate, Mean Arterial Pressure) during pneumoperitoneal stretch. Statistical tests were applied. Results: The intra-operative fentanyl requirement in Group B was 100.85+ and in Group R 119.375 + P value <0.001, statistically significant. The intra-operative heart rate at the time of port insertion, at 5 min, 10 min of pneumoperitoneum and at the end of surgery in Group B (91.97 ±12.09, 90.82±10.7, 92.08±10.9 and 90.857±12.5) were significant when compared to Group R (R 99.9±10.5, 94.48±13.08, 96.68±14.14 and 95.35±14.14 and same is proven statistically. (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound guided bilateral Erector spinae block with Levobupivacaine results in intra-operative hemodynamic stability during port insertion and pneumoperitoneum.