Use of Intermittent Bolus Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Analgesia in Open Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block has been recently described for postoperative analgesia after various thoracic and abdominal surgeries, mostly laparoscopic. Some authors suggest that the ESP block has an effect on both visceral and somatic pain. We describe the successful use of continuous ESP block using intermittent boluses via catheter in open cholecystectomy (OC). Our patient was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which unexpectedly led to open procedure. Continuous ESP block provided good analgesia for 96 h after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of continuous ESP block using intermittent boluses for OC.

Keywords

• catheter
• erector spinae plane block; intermittent boluses; laparotomy; open cholecystectomy.