Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks to Treat Pain after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized, Triple-masked, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors' conclusion
This investigation failed to identify benefits of adding a continuous ESPB to a single-injection ESPB after PCNL.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing outpatient percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with a preoperative single-injection erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) via perineural catheter
- Participants
- 25 vs 25
- Comparison
- Continuous ESPB vs placebo added to single-injection ESPB
- Activen = 25
- Placebon = 25reference
- Primary endpoint
- Pain severity and/or opioid consumption (dual primary outcomes)
- Follow-up
- First 2 postoperative days
Methodological detailstriple-masked, placebo-controlled
- Triple-masked
- Placebo-controlled
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Active
3.5
median · IQR 2.0–4.5
Placebo
3.0
median · IQR 1.3–4.5
Active vs PlaceboEstimated difference (95% CI)P value
Average daily pain intensity (NRS)
0.25(−1.0 to 1.5)
P = 0.538Active vs PlaceboEstimated difference, mg (95% CI)P value
Cumulative oxycodone consumption: Active 10 [0, 25] mg vs Placebo 15 [0, 30] mg
0(−15 to 5)
P = 0.358Further findings
Median
| Outcome | Active | Placebo | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daily pain · first 2 postoperative days | 7.0 (IQR 4.3–8.0) | 6.5 (IQR 5.5–8.0) | P = 0.754 |
| Sleep disturbances · second night | 0 (IQR 0–1) | 0 (IQR 0–1) | P = 0.423 |
| Pain interference with physical and emotional functioning (Brief Pain Inventory) · day after surgery | 10 (IQR 0–33) | 8 (IQR 23–48) | P = 0.587 |
Original publication
Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks to Treat Pain after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized, Triple-masked, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Anesthesiology. Published 4 May 2026. doi:10.
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