Post-operative Pain Management with Erector Spinae Block under Ultrasound Guidance vs Local Anesthetic Instillation at Wound Site in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgeries

Background and objectives: Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are becoming vital in postoperative pain management. This study compares the efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block with local anesthetic instillation at the wound site for postoperative pain management in lumbar spine surgeries. The aim is to identify effective pain management approaches, minimizing analgesic use. Methods: This trial was done on 50 cases undergoing lumbar spine surgeries at Hawler Teaching Hospital, between April 2023 and January 2024. Patients were assigned into two groups, 25 in each. Group 1 patients received the Erector Spinae Plane Block, while Group 2 patients received local anesthetic instillation. Follow-up of patients’ pain perception and analgesic usage were done through a questionnaire. Results were analyzed through frequency analysis and factor analysis. Results: The analysis revealed patients who underwent Erector Spinae Plane Block were associated with a lower incidence of postoperative pain (72%, while 96% in instillation) and reduced reliance on analgesics (52%). Local anesthetic instillation at wound site was associated with more severe pain and more usage of analgesics (80%). Lumbar radiculopathy was not common in those who underwent the block (only 4%, while 76% in instillation). The percentages of variance for group 1 (72.52%) and group 2 (71.181%) shows effective results for both and successful capture of postoperative experiences by the principal components. Conclusion: Erector Spinae Plane Block emerges as a promising postoperative pain management technique for lumbar spine surgeries, offering relief and minimizing analgesic usage.