Continuous Erector Spinae Block Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for the Prevention of Chronic Pain Following Thoracotomy: a Retrospective Study

Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a prevalent complication that significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with reported incidence ranging from 25% to 90%. This study evaluated the effectiveness of continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block compared to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), the current gold standard, in preventing PTPS. Our goal was to compare the incidence of PTPS between patients who received ESP block and those who underwent TEA. Additional goals included assessing postoperative pain levels, analgesic consumption, and complications related to the anesthesia techniques.

Inclusion Criteria: 1\. Ages 18-65 years 2. Presenting for elective thoracic surgery under general anesthesia. 3. Undergoing either ESP or TEA prior to surgery. \- Exclusion Criteria:Patients were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: 1\. Any CNS and/or psychiatric disease. 2. Patients who are unable to complete the pain survey for any reason. 3. Patients who had baseline chronic pain around the surgical incision. \-