Abstract:Objective To observe the effects of ultrasound-guided single erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer. Methods Sixty patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer were randomly assigned into two groups, ESPB group and control group. ESPB was performed in group E before anesthesia induction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at immediately after the extubation (T0), 3?h (T1), 6?h (T2), 12?h (T3), 24?h (T4), 36?h (T5) and 48?h (T6) after operation. At T4 to T6, the active exercise VAS scores were recorded. The first time of pressing the analgesic pump, the volume of analgesic drugs, the side effects and patients’ overall satisfaction were recorded. Recovery time of gastrointestinal function, ambulation time, the time of catheter retention were recorded as well. Results The VAS scores both at rest and exercise in group ESPB were lower than those in control group (P?0.05). The number of remedial analgesia and the volume of analgesic drugs were significantly less in group ESPB than those in control group (P?0.05). The incidence rate of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in ESPB group than that in control group (P?0.05). The patient in the group has a prolonged recovery time of gastrointestinal function, ambulation time and the time of catheter retention (P?0.05). And the degree of satisfaction in ESPB group was significantly higher than that in control group (P?0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block can provide effective postoperative analgesia on patients who undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer.