Ultrasound vs. Surgical ESP Block With Bupivacaine-Dexmedetomidine in Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Launched by FAYOUM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Apr 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different methods for managing pain after lumbar spine surgery, which is known to cause significant pain, especially in the first few hours after the operation. The trial will compare the effectiveness of using ultrasound guidance to perform an Erector Spinae Plane Block (a type of pain relief injection) with a surgical technique performed directly by the surgical team. Both methods will use a combination of two medications, bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine, to help reduce pain and potentially decrease the need for opioid medications, which can have unwanted side effects.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and scheduled for elective lumbar spinal fusion surgery. They should be generally healthy (classified as ASA I-III by the American Society of Anesthesiologists) and not have certain health issues, like significant kidney or liver diseases, or allergies to the study medications. Participants can expect to receive a regional pain block either through ultrasound or directly during their surgery, which aims to help them recover more comfortably and safely. If you or a loved one fit the criteria and are interested in improving post-surgery pain management, this trial may be a good opportunity to consider.

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-Ⅲ patients scheduled for elective two or three levels of lumbar spinal fusion surgeries by the same surgical team.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient refusal.
• • Body mass index \> 30 kg/m2
• • Significant renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular diseases.
• • History of allergy to one of the study drugs (local anesthetics, opioids, or dexmedetomidine).
• • Any contraindications to regional anesthesia like local infection or abnormal coagulation function.
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• • Chronic opioid use, history of chronic pain, or cognitive disorders.
• • Emergent surgeries.