Ultrasound-guided ESP Block vs. Wound Infiltration in Lumbar Surgery: A Comparative Analysis (ESP:Erector Spinae Plane)

Comparative Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Instrumented Lumbar Spinal Surgeries

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with that of wound infiltration (WI) for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spinal surgeries involving instrumentation.

In this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients were divided into two groups: ESPB (n=40) and WI (n=40). Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at multiple time points within 24 hours. Additionally, opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective lumbar spine surgery involving instrumentation
• ASA physical status I-III
• Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergies to local anesthetics
• Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy
• Infection at the injection site
• Preexisting neurological disorders affecting sensory perception
• Pregnancy
• Inability to understand the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain assessment