We, therefore, performed this prospective observational study. The a priori primary outcome was incidence of CNP three months postoperatively (POP) in patients undergoing VATS surgery with ESPB as the regional anaesthesia technique. The secondary outcome was to describe pain control at PACU, 12 and 24 hours POP and QoL reported up to three months after surgery. We hypothesised that patients with ESPB would have a low incidence of acute and CNP and report a good QoL.
The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is an adequate alternative for pain management after video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). The incidence of postoperative chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ESPB after VATS remain unknown. We hypothesised that patients with ESPB would have a low incidence of acute and CNP and would report a good QoL up to three months after VATS.