CLINICAL EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE (ESP) BLOCK FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING THORACOPLASTY

Postoperative pain management in pediatric thoracic surgery, particularly thoracoplasty, remains a clinical challenge. Traditionally, systemic opioids and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) were the primary modalities; however, they are associated with significant side effects such as respiratory depression and hypotension. The Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block has emerged as a safer, effective alternative. This article evaluates the clinical efficacy of ESP block in children, highlighting its opioid-sparing effects, safety profile, and impact on recovery.