Background: Thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks are widely used regional techniques for postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery. However, they are difficult to perform and carry the risk of serious complications. The ESPB is a relatively simple technique that uses easily distinguishable sonographic landmarks and provided an effective analgesia for a wide variety of thoracic and abdominal surgeries. \nAim: We designed the study to assess the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. \nPatients and Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled in prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups, ESPB and control group. ESPB group was given bilateral single shot ESPB of 0.25% bupivacaine at the level of T8, 20 ml on each side. Pain scores were measured periodically postoperative and compared. The postoperative opioid consumption and time to first analgesic request was calculated. Groups were compared using unpaired t-tests for Quantitative data and chi-square for qualitative data. \nResults: Pain scores at rest were significantly lower in ESPB group for eighteen hours in comparison to the control group. Moreover, pain scores on movement were significantly lower for six hours in the ESPB group. The time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in ESPB group (13.9±4.7 h) in comparison to control group (1.8±1.2 h). It was noted that fentanyl consumption in ESPB group (70.3±30.7μg) was significantly lower than control group (200±40.9μg) in the first 24 h. \nConclusion: Bilateral ultrasound guided ESPB is an efficient postoperative analgesic modality for abdominal surgery.

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