Erector spinae plane block: the ultimate ?plan A? block?

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is one of seven 'Plan A' blocks proposed by Regional Anaesthesia UK, covering the key areas of commonly encountered surgeries and acute pain. Unlike the other six blocks, the ESPB can be performed at all levels of the spine and provides analgesia to most regions of the body, leading to the argument that the ESPB is the ultimate Plan A block. Current studies show a high level of evidence supporting use in thoracoabdominal surgery but a lack of benefit in upper and lower limb surgery compared with local infiltration and other Plan A blocks. Thus, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that the erector spinae plane block is the ultimate Plan A block.

Automated summary

The erector spinae plane block is one of the proposed 'Plan A' blocks that can be performed at all levels of the spine and provides analgesia to most regions of the body. However, current studies show that it may not be as effective as local infiltration and other Plan A blocks in upper and lower limb surgery. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to claim it as the ultimate Plan A block.