Major spine surgery causes severe postoperative pain. The primary objective of this randomized controlled study is to compare the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided superficial erector spinae plane (ESP) block on 48-hour postoperative cumulative opioid requirements with standard (opioid-based) analgesia.

46 patients (ASA I-II-III) between 18 and 65 years of age, who were to undergo spine surgery, were randomized and divided into two groups. (23 patients in each of the control and superficial ESP groups). Superficial ESP block was performed for SESP group and standard (opioid-based) analgesia performed in the control group. Postoperative analgesia was provided by intravenous morphine infusion using a patient-controlled analgesia device. Postoperative numeric rating scale values were the primary outcome measure. 24-hour total morphine consumption was secondary outcome measure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages of 18-65
• Patients who will undergo spine surgery (at least two level)
• ASA I-II-III patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically known local anesthetic allergy
• Morbid obesity (body mass index>40 kg m2)
• Clinically diagnosis of opioid, alcohol and substance dependence
• Clinically diagnosis of psychiatric disease
• Coagulopathy
• Patients with ASA IV-V
• Single level surgery