Study Comparing Local/ MAC Anesthesia in Lumbar Decompression

Randomized Study Comparing Local/ MAC Anesthesia to General for 1-3 Level Lumbar Decompressions

Explore efficacy, complications, and other factors associated with anaesthetic choice- To evaluate the efficacy of local + MAC as an alternative anesthetic to general anesthesia and to analyze patients' outcomes and experiences.

100 Patients ages 40-95 with lumbar stenosis to be decompressed are randomized to undergo the procedure with either general anesthesia or local anesthetic with MAC.

Participants will be randomized to either group 1 General anesthesia or group 2 Local + MAC anesthetic group.

Group 1: General Anesthesia: Medically induced unconsciousness that suppresses reflexes and requires intubation (a tube inserted through the mouth and into the airway) to assist in breathing.

Group 2: Local + MAC: Local anesthetic (lidocaine) injected into the site of the incision/dissection with additional IV medication (Propofol) to achieve a state in which the patient is generally aware, but relaxed

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with lumbar stenosis to be decompressed over 1-3 segments

• Ages 40-95
• Appropriate for general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned significant nerve root retraction
• Previous fusion operation
• Unable to comply with follow up
• Patients with daily morphine equivalents or more 100mg
• Patients with a known hypersensitivity to propofol or any of DIPRIVAN Injectable Emulsion components.
• Patients with allergies to eggs, egg products, soybeans or soy products.