Retrolaminar Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block as Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Enhanced Recovery After Posterior Lumbar Discectomy

Retrolaminar Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block as Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Enhanced Recovery After Posterior Lumbar Discectomy: A Randomized Trial

The aim of this study is to compare retrolaminar block and erector spine plane block as opioid-free anesthesia for enhanced recovery after posterior lumbar discectomy.

Lumbar discectomy is a common procedure for patients who experience leg and back pain due to disc problems. Effective pain management is crucial for timely discharge and successful rehabilitation.

Opioid-free anesthesia is a technique that avoids the use of opioids during surgery. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways are helpful strategies for incorporating opioid-free pain management techniques into clinical practice.

Erector spine plane block (ESPB) and retrolaminar block (RLB) are considered to be compartment blocks or interfacial plane blocks. In these approaches, local anesthetics are assumed to penetrate the superior costotransverse ligament and reach the paravertebral space, although the needle tip is not advanced into the paravertebral space.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 18 to 65 years.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-II.
• Undergoing elective posterior lumbar discectomy under general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2.
• Patients with disturbed mental status.
• Allergies to the drugs used in the study.
• Local infection at the puncture site.
• Cardiac insufficiency.
• Renal insufficiency.
• Coagulopathy.
• Chronic opioid use.