Erector spinae plane block vs transversus abdominis plane block for visceral and somatic pain after laparoscopic appendectomy

Figure 1 Comparison of postoperative visceral pain Visual Analog Scale scores between erector spinae plane block and transversus abdominis plane block groups. This figure illustrates the time course of postoperative visceral pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale scores over 48 hours following surgery. A: At rest; B: During activity/coughing. The blue line represents the erector spinae plane block group (n = 91), and the orange line represents the transversus abdominis plane block group (n = 92). Data are presented as mean ± SD. The erector spinae plane block group demonstrated significantly lower Visual Analog Scale scores at early postoperative time points (2 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours) for both resting and dynamic pain, suggesting superior early analgesic efficacy compared to the transversus abdominis plane block group. Pain scores converged between groups at 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively. ESPB: Erector spinae plane block; TAPB: Transversus abdominis plane block; VAS: Visual Analog Scale.

Figure 2 Comparison of postoperative somatic pain Visual Analog Scale scores between erector spinae plane block and transversus abdominis plane block groups. This figure depicts the time course of postoperative somatic pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale scores over 48 hours following surgery. A: At rest; B: During activity/coughing. The blue line represents the erector spinae plane block group (n = 91), and the orange line represents the transversus abdominis plane block group (n = 92). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Both groups demonstrated comparable somatic pain control throughout the postoperative period, with gradual decline in pain scores over time. Unlike visceral pain, somatic pain intensity showed similar trajectories in both the erector spinae plane block and transversus abdominis plane block groups. ESPB: Erector spinae plane block; TAPB: Transversus abdominis plane block; VAS: Visual Analog Scale.