Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Introduction: Postoperative pain management is a challenge after lumbar spine surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is one solution and seems to limit opioid consumption after lumbar fusion. This RCT explored the effectiveness of ESP block versus placebo in non-instrumented spine surgery within...

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Main Authors: Guillaume Lonjon, Nicolas Ross, Alexandre Dhenin, Matthieu Vassal, Anne Gourari, Nicolas Bouic, Aurélien Bonnal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Brain and Spine
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772529425001985
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author Guillaume Lonjon
Nicolas Ross
Alexandre Dhenin
Matthieu Vassal
Anne Gourari
Nicolas Bouic
Aurélien Bonnal
author_facet Guillaume Lonjon
Nicolas Ross
Alexandre Dhenin
Matthieu Vassal
Anne Gourari
Nicolas Bouic
Aurélien Bonnal
author_sort Guillaume Lonjon
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Postoperative pain management is a challenge after lumbar spine surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is one solution and seems to limit opioid consumption after lumbar fusion. This RCT explored the effectiveness of ESP block versus placebo in non-instrumented spine surgery within an ERAS program. Research question: The hypothesis suggested the superiority of ESP block across all endpoints, emphasizing its potential as a safe and effective element. Material and methods: In this prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial using a 1:1 allocation with an intent-to-treat, patients undergoing non-fusion lumbar surgery for one or two levels were included from January to November 2022. Ultrasound-guided ESP block was performed by an anesthesiologist injecting levobupivacaine or saline solution (placebo). The primary outcome was total morphine consumption at 72 h. Results: We included 100 individuals (50 in each arm). Total morphine consumption at 72 h did not differ between the ESP block and placebo groups, nor did cumulative pain score, intraoperative sufentanil administration, 1-month ODI and pain scores. In the daily analysis, morphine consumption was greater in the placebo group at day 0, and in the ESP block group from day 1 to day 3, without significance. The pain scores throughout the first 72 postoperative hours were <3/10 in both groups. Discussion and conclusion: The groups did not differ in morphine consumption at 72 h postoperatively. Increased morphine dose after the first 24 h in the ESP block group could suggest a rebound effect. In patients undergoing non-instrumented spine surgery, the ESP block does not confer additional analgesic benefits.
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spelling doaj-art-2d682525e15a4eaab7841d3bf91c0c702025-08-20T03:59:35ZengElsevierBrain and Spine2772-52942025-01-01510437910.1016/j.bas.2025.104379Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trialGuillaume Lonjon0Nicolas Ross1Alexandre Dhenin2Matthieu Vassal3Anne Gourari4Nicolas Bouic5Aurélien Bonnal6Orthosud, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, France; Corresponding author.Orthosud, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, France; Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, ArgentinaOrthosud, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, FranceOrthosud, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, FranceASJ, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, FranceASJ, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, FranceASJ, Clinique Saint Jean Sud de France, 34430 St Jean de Vedas, Montpellier, FranceIntroduction: Postoperative pain management is a challenge after lumbar spine surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is one solution and seems to limit opioid consumption after lumbar fusion. This RCT explored the effectiveness of ESP block versus placebo in non-instrumented spine surgery within an ERAS program. Research question: The hypothesis suggested the superiority of ESP block across all endpoints, emphasizing its potential as a safe and effective element. Material and methods: In this prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial using a 1:1 allocation with an intent-to-treat, patients undergoing non-fusion lumbar surgery for one or two levels were included from January to November 2022. Ultrasound-guided ESP block was performed by an anesthesiologist injecting levobupivacaine or saline solution (placebo). The primary outcome was total morphine consumption at 72 h. Results: We included 100 individuals (50 in each arm). Total morphine consumption at 72 h did not differ between the ESP block and placebo groups, nor did cumulative pain score, intraoperative sufentanil administration, 1-month ODI and pain scores. In the daily analysis, morphine consumption was greater in the placebo group at day 0, and in the ESP block group from day 1 to day 3, without significance. The pain scores throughout the first 72 postoperative hours were <3/10 in both groups. Discussion and conclusion: The groups did not differ in morphine consumption at 72 h postoperatively. Increased morphine dose after the first 24 h in the ESP block group could suggest a rebound effect. In patients undergoing non-instrumented spine surgery, the ESP block does not confer additional analgesic benefits.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772529425001985Spine surgeryDisc herniationLumbar stenosisAnesthesiologyAnalgesiaErector spinae plane block
spellingShingle Guillaume Lonjon
Nicolas Ross
Alexandre Dhenin
Matthieu Vassal
Anne Gourari
Nicolas Bouic
Aurélien Bonnal
Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Brain and Spine
Spine surgery
Disc herniation
Lumbar stenosis
Anesthesiology
Analgesia
Erector spinae plane block
title Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
title_full Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
title_fullStr Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
title_short Non-efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non-instrumented spine surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
title_sort non efficacy of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia of non instrumented spine surgery a randomized double blind controlled trial
topic Spine surgery
Disc herniation
Lumbar stenosis
Anesthesiology
Analgesia
Erector spinae plane block
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772529425001985
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