Table 3

Unadjusted and Propensity Score (PS) matched comparisons: primary and secondary outcomes

TotalUnadjustedPS-Matched
Non-ESPBESPBP value*†Non-ESPBESPBP value*†
Sample size (n)370200170121121
Median length of stay (IQR) in hours
 Total78.4
(8.7–411.3)		80.6
(18.6–287.2)		74.9
(8.7–411.3)		 <0.001 81.0
(24.7–268.4)		75.9
(21.1–411.3)		 0.001
 PACU4.8
(1.5–29.5)		4.8
(1.8–26.0)		4.8
(1.5–29.5)		0.7805.0
(2.2–20.1)		4.9
(1.5–28.6)		0.622
 Nursing floor67.0
(8.4–398.8)		69.0
(16.3–278.5)		61.1
(8.4–398.9)		 <0.001 68.8
(16.3–259.8)		64.3
(8.4–398.9)		 0.001
Median MED consumed (IQR), in mg
 Intraoperative4.0
(0.0–12.0)		4.0
(0.0–12.0)		4.0
(0.0–12.0)		0.2804.0
(0.0–12.0)		4.0
(0.0–12.0)		0.114
 Intravenous PCA8.3
(0.0–220.0)		12.5
(0.0–220.0)		4.2
(0.0–88.9)		 <0.001 12.4
(0.0–220.0)		5.5
(0.0–88.9)		 <0.001
 0–24 hours postsurgery32.3
(0.0–255.0)		45.0
(0.0–255.0)		25.0
(0.0–144.0)		 <0.001 45.0
(0.0–255.0)		30.0
(0.0–144.0)		 0.032
 24 hours discharge60.0
(0.0–1134.0)		78.8
(0.0–1134.0)		37.5
(0.0–1022.0)		 <0.001 80.0
(0.0–1110.0)		48.0
(0.0–1022.0)		 0.008
Median (IQR) duration intravenous PCA, in hours23.4
(0.0–235.1)		24.3
(0.0–235.1)		22.0
(3.6–52.8)		 0.005 24.5
(0.0–235.1)		22.4
(4.7–52.8)		0.098
Median MED prescribed (IQR) at discharge, in mg60.0
(0.0–200.0)		60.0
(0.0–200.0)		60.0
(0.0–192.0)		0.05260.0
(0.0–200.0)		60.0
(0.0–192.0)		0.070
Median (IQR) NRS pain scores
 PACU4.1
(0.0–9.0)		4.4
(0.0–8.1)		3.9
(0.0–9.0)		0.1224.0
(0.0–8.1)		4.4
(0.0–8.7)		0.984
 Nursing floor4.1
(0.0–8.4)		4.1
(0.2–8.4)		4.0
(0.0–8.0)		0.3424.0
(0.21–8.4)		4.2
(0.17–8.0)		0.134

  • *P value compares outcomes in non-erector spinae plane block versus erector spinae plane block in unadjusted and PS-matched groups.

  • †Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables and Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables.

  • ESPB, erector spinae plane block; MED, morphine equivalent dose; NRS, Numeric Rating Scale; PACU, postanesthesia care unit; PCA, patient-controlled analgesia.