Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Classical and Modified Erector Spinae Plane Blocks After Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Lumbar spinal stenosis may lead to variable signs and symptoms such as low back pain, radiating pain to the lower extremities, and reduced walking capacity. Lumbar disc surgery itself causes significant pain due to extensive dissection and muscle retraction during the procedure. A multimodal analgesic approach is preferred for postoperative pain management after lumbar spine surgery. The addition of regional anesthesia techniques reduces opioid-related side effects and is associated with earlier mobilization, shorter hospital stay, and improved patient satisfaction.

In patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery, the classical erector spinae plane block and the modified erector spinae plane block provide effective analgesia for postoperative pain control.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18-70 years,
• Classified as ASA physical status I-III,
• Scheduled to undergo single-level lumbar spinal surgery under general anesthesia
• Who agree to participate in the study by providing written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of bleeding diathesis or current anticoagulant therapy
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or opioid medications
• Infection at the planned block injection site
• Previous lumbar spine surgery
• History of gabapentinoid or corticosteroid use within the last 3 weeks
• Inability to use a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device
• Suspected pregnancy, confirmed pregnancy, or breastfeeding Refusal to undergo the procedure or to participate in the study