Postoperative Analgesia With an Erector Spinae Plane Block in Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy

In the researchers' words

Partial nephrectomy is used as a standard method for the treatment of T1 kidney tumors, while radical nephrectomy is preferred for T2 tumors and localized masses that cannot be treated with partial nephrectomy. These surgical procedures can be performed using open surgery, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches. Open surgical methods, especially during partial or radical nephrectomy, generally require wide incisions extending below the costal arch. These incisions involve cutting through intercostal muscle structures, fascial layers, and subcutaneous tissues, which can lead to significant postoperative discomfort for the patient. This situation can directly affect the patient's comfort and recovery time. This study aims to investigate the effect of the erector spinae plane block, a method we routinely use for analgesic purposes in many procedures in anesthesia practice, on postoperative pain levels, analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction, and length of stay after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy surgery. Method: Patients ranging in age between 18 and 70 were randomly assigned to either Group 1 (ESPB 30 ml bupivacaine 0.25%) or Group 2 (Control)