Erector spinae plane block similar to paravertebral block for perioperative pain control in breast surgery: A meta-analysis study

Background: Erector spinae plane block could be a potential alternative to paravertebral block or other analgesic techniques for breast surgery, but the current evidence on erector spinae plane block in breast surgery is conflicting. Objective: To compare the analgesic effectiveness between erector spinae plane block, systemic analgesic, and paravertebral block for breast surgery. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Setting: The literature search was performed from 2016 to August 2020 using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Methods: Clinical trials comparing erector spinae plane block to systemic analgesic and paravertebral block were included from the aforementioned databases. Primary outcomes were 24-hour postoperative opioid administration and postoperative pain score. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction levels, post-anesthesia care unit and hospital stay, block-related side effects, and opioid-related side effects. Systematic search, critical appraisal, and pooled analysis were performed according to the PRISMA statement. Results: We analyzed 495 cases in 8 randomized controlled trials. Compared with a systemic analgesic, the use of erector spinae plane block resulted in a reduced 24-hour postoperative intravenous morphine equivalent dose by a mean difference of 7.59 mg (P < 0.00001). Compared with paravertebral block, no statistical difference was found in opioid administration. No differences were observed in pain score, opioid-related side effects, or analgesic technique-related complications. Between the trials, heterogeneity existed and could not be evaluated using meta-regression owing to inadequate reported data. Limitations: Moderate heterogeneity among the included trials could not be assessed by potential covariates owing to the limited reported data in each trial. Conclusion: Erector spinae plane block is superior to systemic analgesic within 24 hours after breast surgery and can serve as an alternative to paravertebral block with similar analgesic effects.