Continuous Erector Spinae Block for Analgesia Following Lumbar Decompression

Launched by NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY · May 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to manage pain after lumbar spine surgery, which is often needed for conditions like spinal stenosis or persistent pain after surgery. Researchers want to see if using a special type of nerve block called a continuous erector spinae block (cESP) can help patients feel less pain and need fewer strong pain medications, like opioids, after their surgery. The trial will include 100 adults who are having lumbar decompression surgery, and they will be randomly divided into two groups: one group will receive the cESP with a medication called Ropivacaine, while the other group will receive a placebo (a saltwater solution).

To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old and scheduled for lumbar decompression surgery. However, those with severe heart, liver, or kidney issues, or those who can't give consent before surgery, won't be able to participate. After the surgery, patients will receive their assigned treatment for 54 hours and will be monitored for pain levels and recovery quality. Patients will also fill out questionnaires about their pain and recovery at different times after surgery, helping researchers understand how effective this new pain management strategy is.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult (aged \>18 years) patients
• • Undergoing lumbar decompression surgery +/- fusion
• • Under the orthopedic surgery team
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Surgery on an emergency basis (level 1, 2 or 3; \<8 hours)
• • An ejection fraction \<30%
• • Severe pre-existing liver disease (Child B or C)
• • Severe kidney disease (Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \<30 (mL/min/1·73m²))
• • An allergy to ropivacaine
• • Weight \<50 kg
• • Unable to provide valid consent to study prior to surgery