New nerve block may cut opioid use after kidney stone surgery

This study tests whether a nerve block called an erector spinae plane (ESP) block can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a surgery to remove large kidney stones. About 128 adults having this surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either the ESP block or a placebo (saline) injection. The main goal is to see if the ESP block lowers opioid use in the first 24 hours after surgery and improves pain scores.