CompletedPhase 4

Erector Spinae Plane Block as Pain Management After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Netherlands76 participantsStarted 2022-06-01

Plain-language summary

Rationale: Lumbar spine surgery is associated with high postoperative pain scores and analgesic use, despite use of multimodal analgesia. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a promising locoregional anesthetic technique for this type of surgery. The literature is not yet conclusive about the effectiveness of this technique on reducing postoperative pain intensity. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effect of ESPB as add-on therapy to multimodal analgesia on early postoperative pain intensity after lumbar spinal fusion surgery compared to placebo. Study design: The study is designed as a prospective mono-centre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Study population: 76 patients ≥ 18 years of age requiring elective lumbar spinal fusion surgery involving one to four fusion levels. Intervention: Patients will receive ultrasound-guided ESPB with either ropivacaine or placebo at the end of surgery. Main study parameters/endpoints: Main study parameter is pain intensity upon emergence from anesthesia measured with the Numeric Rating Scale. A minimal clinically important difference is considered to be a decrease of 1.5 points. Secondary endpoints are pain intensity during hospital stay and after 30 days, opioid use during hospital stay and after 30 days, opioid side effects, use of anti-emetics, time to first opioid use/request, length of hospital stay, quality of recovery at discharge. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The Sint Maartenskliniek is experienced in applying locoregional analgesia, the use of ropivacaine and using sonography. The procedure of administering ESPB has a very low risk of complications. Receiving placebo is justifiable because this group will not be withhold standard treatment. The risks of receiving placebo are negligible. The patients will visit the clinic at regular follow-up moments.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years; * Patients planned for elective lumbar spinal fusion surgery with a dorsal surgical approach; * 1-4 fusion level spine surgery; * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * A Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 40 kg/m²; * ASA physical health classification \> 3; * Patients who will undergo spine surgery involving less than 2 or more than 4 levels of fusion, scoliosis surgery\*; * Patients who will undergo circumferent spine surgery; * Patients with an active, local infection or systemic infection; * Patients with an allergy to one or more medications used in the study; * Patients with any contraindication to a regional anesthetic technique; * Kidney- or liver failure inhibiting the systemic use of paracetamol and/or NSAIDs; * Acute surgeries; * Patients with a history of drugs or alcohol abuse; * Pregnancy; * Cognitive impairment; * Inability to speak or understand the Dutch language.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain intensity one hour after arrival at post-anesthesia care unit

Timeframe: 1 hour after arrival at PACU

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05345249

SponsorIlse van de Wijgert

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-19

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