Chest Wall and Abdominal Blocks for Thoracic and Abdominal Surgeries: A Review

The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date description and overview of the rapidly growing literature pertaining to techniques and clinical applications of chest wall and abdominal fascial plane blocks in managing perioperative pain.

Clinical evidence suggests that regional anesthesia blocks, including fascial plane blocks, such as pectoralis, serratus, erector spinae, transversus abdominis, and quadratus lumborum blocks, are effective in providing analgesia for various surgical procedures and have more desirable side effect profile when compared to traditional neuraxial techniques. They offer advantages such as reduced opioid consumption, improved pain control, and decreased opioid-related side effects. Further research is needed to establish optimal techniques and indications for these blocks. Presently, they are a vital instrument in a gamut of multimodal analgesia options, especially when there are contraindications to neuraxial or para-neuraxial procedures. Ultimately, clinical judgment and provider skill set determine which blocks-alone or in combination-should be offered to any patient.