Comparison of the effectiveness of fascia iliaka compartment block and sacral erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain in hip surgery

Aim: We aimed to retrospectively evaluate postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and the need for additional analgesia in adult patients undergoing hip surgery who received Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) or Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block (S-ESPB), in order to identify differences between the two techniques. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 patients who received FICB (Group F) and 25 patients who received S-ESPB (Group S). Various block-related data and hospital length of stay were obtained from patient records. Demographic data, intraoperative and/or postoperative vital signs, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) parameters were reviewed and recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between Group F and Group S regarding demographic data, NRS scores at any time point, fentanyl consumption, PCA demand count, additional analgesia requirement, or side effects (p>0.05). Within-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the 24-hour NRS score compared to earlier time points in both groups, and a significant increase in fentanyl consumption as the postoperative hours progressed (p<0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings indicate that both block techniques provide similarly effective analgesia within the first 24 postoperative hours and don't differ significantly in terms of pain scores, opioid consumption, PCA demand counts, or complication rates. In conclusion, despite being relatively new in the literature, S-ESPB appears to be a reliable technique and may serve as an alternative to FICB in terms of analgesic efficacy. Keywords: Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block, Hip Surgery, Postoperative Analgesia, Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block