Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study

Abstract Background Although the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proven, its efficacy may be influenced by the patient’s position during the block. Methods We randomly allocated forty patients undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with axillary lymph...

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Main Authors: Adel Ibrahim Hozien, Sahar Ahmed Elkaradawy, Hussein M. Agameya, Walid M. Ahmed, Ahmed F. Elsosy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Anesthesiology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03231-7
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author Adel Ibrahim Hozien
Sahar Ahmed Elkaradawy
Hussein M. Agameya
Walid M. Ahmed
Ahmed F. Elsosy
author_facet Adel Ibrahim Hozien
Sahar Ahmed Elkaradawy
Hussein M. Agameya
Walid M. Ahmed
Ahmed F. Elsosy
author_sort Adel Ibrahim Hozien
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Although the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proven, its efficacy may be influenced by the patient’s position during the block. Methods We randomly allocated forty patients undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with axillary lymph node dissection to receive preoperative ESPB in sitting (Group 1) or lateral position (Group 2), and the patient was kept in position for 15 min, either in the high Fowler’s or lateral position. The primary outcome was the dermatomal sensory block and radiocontrast material spread by Computed Tomography (CT) 15 min after the block. Secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and complications. Results There was a significant increase in the dermatomal sensory block in Group 1 compared to Group 2 at midaxillary (confidence interval (C.I) 95% = 0.55, p-value = 0.006) and scapular lines (95% C.I = 0.50, p-value = 0.014); meanwhile, there were insignificant differences at the parasternal and midclavicular lines (p-value = 0.232 and 0.201 respectively). Early CT showed more craniocaudal contrast distribution in a higher percentage of patients in Group 1, with a higher incidence of spread to paravertebral/epidural spaces (though not statistically significant). The VAS, morphine consumption, and patient satisfaction were comparable. Conclusion The ESPB in the sitting position provided a more significant posterolateral sensory block. The CT evidence of early paravertebral and epidural spread was observed more often in the sitting group, but without statistical significance. ESPB in both patient positions produced comparable postoperative analgesia. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (PACTR202204720116048) on 27/04/2022.
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spelling doaj-art-984dbcdbd28647d2bd2e6ad0d285306a2025-08-20T03:43:11ZengBMCBMC Anesthesiology1471-22532025-07-0125111110.1186/s12871-025-03231-7Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative studyAdel Ibrahim Hozien0Sahar Ahmed Elkaradawy1Hussein M. Agameya2Walid M. Ahmed3Ahmed F. Elsosy4Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Anesthesia and Postoperative Intensive Care, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria UniversityAbstract Background Although the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proven, its efficacy may be influenced by the patient’s position during the block. Methods We randomly allocated forty patients undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with axillary lymph node dissection to receive preoperative ESPB in sitting (Group 1) or lateral position (Group 2), and the patient was kept in position for 15 min, either in the high Fowler’s or lateral position. The primary outcome was the dermatomal sensory block and radiocontrast material spread by Computed Tomography (CT) 15 min after the block. Secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and complications. Results There was a significant increase in the dermatomal sensory block in Group 1 compared to Group 2 at midaxillary (confidence interval (C.I) 95% = 0.55, p-value = 0.006) and scapular lines (95% C.I = 0.50, p-value = 0.014); meanwhile, there were insignificant differences at the parasternal and midclavicular lines (p-value = 0.232 and 0.201 respectively). Early CT showed more craniocaudal contrast distribution in a higher percentage of patients in Group 1, with a higher incidence of spread to paravertebral/epidural spaces (though not statistically significant). The VAS, morphine consumption, and patient satisfaction were comparable. Conclusion The ESPB in the sitting position provided a more significant posterolateral sensory block. The CT evidence of early paravertebral and epidural spread was observed more often in the sitting group, but without statistical significance. ESPB in both patient positions produced comparable postoperative analgesia. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (PACTR202204720116048) on 27/04/2022.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03231-7Erector spinae plane blockRegional anesthesia for mastectomyPostoperative analgesiaComputed TomographyPatient position and local anesthetic spreadOpioid consumption
spellingShingle Adel Ibrahim Hozien
Sahar Ahmed Elkaradawy
Hussein M. Agameya
Walid M. Ahmed
Ahmed F. Elsosy
Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
BMC Anesthesiology
Erector spinae plane block
Regional anesthesia for mastectomy
Postoperative analgesia
Computed Tomography
Patient position and local anesthetic spread
Opioid consumption
title Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
title_full Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
title_fullStr Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
title_full_unstemmed Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
title_short Influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
title_sort influence of different patient positions on erector spinae plane block spread in modified radical mastectomy a prospective randomized comparative study
topic Erector spinae plane block
Regional anesthesia for mastectomy
Postoperative analgesia
Computed Tomography
Patient position and local anesthetic spread
Opioid consumption
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03231-7
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