Results
Postoperative pain, postoperative pain, NRS
ADVERSE EVENTS
A total of 143 patients were assessed for inclusion in this study. Sixty patients were recruited, and 30 were assigned to each group at random. Three patients in the epidural group were excluded from the study due to failed epidural block and open thoracotomy. Three patients in the ESP block group were excluded due to thyroid co-operation and accidental catheter removal. Fifty-four subjects finally completed the study and were analyzed (- The consolidated standard of reporting trial flow diagram of this study.The demographic characteristics and surgical data of the 2 groups were equivalent (- Demographic data and surgical characteristics of patients.Normally distributed data were presented as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using an independent t-test. Nonparametric data were presented as the median and interquartile range (Q1, Q3) analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test (a). Categorical data were reported as absolute numbers and analyzed using the chi-square test (with Yates’ continuity correction for the 2 × 2 contingency table) or Fisher’s exact test (b).- Postoperative pain score at rest and during coughing for 48 hours (h). Values are expressed as median with the first quartile (Q1) and third quartile (Q3). Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) after aligned rank transformation was performed to analyze the interaction between time and group. The Mann–Whitney U (MWU) test with false discovery rate (FDR) correction was used to compare the 2 groups at each measuring point. Group E; continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) group, Group ES; continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block group, NRS; numerical rating scale. *- Non-inferiority test of postoperative pain score at rest and during coughing for 48 hour. Values are expressed as mean difference (95% confidence interval [95% CI]). Non-inferiority was determined when the upper boundary of the 95% CI was <1. Group E; continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) group, Group ES; continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block group, NRS; numerical rating scale.The extent of the sensory dermatome was wider in Group E than in Group ES (- Procedural time and dermatome spread of sensory block between groups.Continuous variables were presented as the median with interquartile range (Q1, Q3) and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test (a). Categorical data were reported as absolute numbers and analyzed using the Mantel–Haenszel trend‐test (b).- Use of analgesic drugs, adverse events, and patient satisfaction during the postoperative period.Continuous variables were presented as median with interquartile range (Q1, Q3) and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test (a). Categorical data were reported as absolute numbers and analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (b). Min: minimum