Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bilateral ESPB in Addition to Standard Analgesia at Reducing Opioid Consumption

The ESPB is a myofascial block alternative to the paravertebral block. It is performed by injecting local anesthetic in the plane between the erector spinae muscle and the spinal transverse process. The ESPB is thought to be safer than the paravertebral block because the transverse process acts as a barrier to the pleura. It has been postulated that local anesthetic spread reaches the paravertebral space and in fact, cadaveric studies have shown dye spreading to involve the ventral and dorsal rami of spinal nerves.

Patients in the control group will receive standard 100mg pregabalin PO, midazolam 2mg IV, fentanyl 100mcg IV.