Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Ultrasound-guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a commonly performed surgical procedure for complex upper renal tract calculi. Although the skin incision for PCNL appears small, the intensity of intraoperative and postoperative pain is significant owing to soft tissue injury.

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial block that was first described by Forero et al. in 2016. It can be performed by injecting the local anesthetic in the deep interfascial plane of the erector spinae muscle to provide both visceral and somatic analgesia with a sensory level from T2-4 to L1-2.

. Paravertebral block is the technique of injecting local anesthetics in a space immediately lateral to where the spinal nerves emerge from the intervertebral foramina. This technique is used increasingly for intra-operative and post-operative.