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

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesia
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) combined with general anesthesia (GA) poses risks for high-risk patients undergoing open abdominal surgery.
• Fascial plane blocks, including erector spinae plane (ESP) and intertransverse plane (ITP) blocks, present potential alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ESP/ITP blocks as a primary anesthesia method in a high-risk patient for open gastrectomy.
• To highlight the benefits of these blocks in avoiding risks associated with GA and TEA.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ESP/ITP blocks as the sole anesthetic technique for open gastrectomy.
• Monitored perioperative outcomes, including pain management and need for airway intervention or mechanical ventilation.

Main Results:

• ESP/ITP blocks proved effective as a primary anesthetic.
• The technique successfully managed visceral pain and avoided the need for airway intervention and mechanical ventilation.
• The patient experienced favorable perioperative outcomes.

Conclusions:

• ESP/ITP blocks can serve as a viable primary anesthetic in high-risk surgical patients.
• These blocks offer a safer alternative to GA/TEA when contraindications exist.
• Successful application in open gastrectomy demonstrates the potential of ESP/ITP blocks for complex abdominal surgeries.