Background and Goal of Study: The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an emergent regional anesthetic technique. This novel approach was initially proposed for thoracic surgeries, however, changing the puncture site, it can be used in abdominal surgeries too. We present our experience with this block, a total of 8 cases in thoracic surgeries and 2 in abdominal surgery with good results.

Materials and Methods: ESP block was performed in 8 thoracic surgeries (video assisted thoracotomy and pectus excavatum repair) and 2 abdominal surgeries (laparotomic cholecystectomy). It is performed using a single puncture technique, echoguided and, in all cases, a mixture of 1% mepivacaine with ropivacaine 0.5%, a total of 30 ml per side is administered. 

Results and Discussion: In 9 of these 10 cases, the result was satisfactory, with a score on the Visual Analgesic Scale (VAS) <3. In 1 case, the patient presented a VAS score of 5, being the only case in which it was necessary to administer morphine to control pain. The ESP block is a novel technique focused, initially, on interventions located in the thoracic region. The aim is to locate the lateral process of T5 and deposit the anesthetic in the depth of the spinal erector muscle. This muscle extends to the lumbar region, so it is increasingly common to find in the literature cases in which this block is performed with a thoracic puncture site, which is effective in abdominal wall surgeries. 

Conclusion(s): ESP block is an interesting option in cases in which epidural anesthesia is contraindicated. It is even possible to insert a catheter and connect it to an anesthetic infusion pump controlled by the patient

04 / ESP: new regional technique, new uses