Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Intramuscular Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Administration on Intraoperative Analgesia and Patient Satisfaction During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Background/Objectives: To compare ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with an intramuscular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (IM NSAID) for analgesia during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, open-label trial, 90 patients scheduled for ESWL were allocated into three equal groups: ultrasound-guided ESPB at the T7 level; 75 mg of IM diclofenac sodium 30–45 min before the procedure; or no analgesic premedication (control). Pain was rated on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during the procedure, and hemodynamic variables, postprocedural analgesic requirement, and patient satisfaction were also recorded.