Erector Spinae Plane Block Together With Inter-Transverse Process Block for Open Gastrectomy: Case Report

Fascial plane blocks of the posterior thoracic wall (erector spinae plane [ESP] and intertransverse plane [ITP]) may offer advantages for high-risk patients requiring open abdominal surgery in whom thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) combined with general anesthesia (GA) may be relatively contraindicated. As a primary anesthesia method, ESP/ITP (paravertebral by proxy) blocks proved effective in a case of open gastrectomy by avoiding airway intervention, mechanical ventilation, and effectively managing visceral pain. This article highlights the use of ESP/ITP blocks in a high-risk patient for whom GA and TEA posed substantial risks, with the patient who experienced favorable perioperative outcomes.