Original Articles
22 January 2025
Vol. 2 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.4081/ahr.2025.21

Effectiveness of the erector spinae plane block for the management of persistent pain after lumbar surgery: a prospective study

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Erector spinae plane block, postoperative pain, lumbar spine surgery, patient-reported outcome measures, quality of life, chronic postoperative lumbar pain syndrome
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Authors

Luis Carvalheiro Fagulha
luvicfagic@hotmail.com
Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Clinic Treatment, University Hospital Arnau Vilanova, Lleida, Spain.
Antonio Montero
Senior Professor, University of Lleida, Territorial Director of Pain Treatment Units of Lleida, Spain.

This prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in managing persistent or recurrent pain following lumbar spine surgery. We analyzed data from 42 patients who received ESPB, assessing their perceived improvement, analgesic consumption, quality of life, and potential predictors of treatment response. Patients reported significant improvement one- and three-months post-treatment, although the level of improvement decreased between these time points. ESPB effectively reduced nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and antiepileptic medication use during the first month. A positive correlation emerged between the frequency of healthcare visits and perceived improvement. Patients with radiculopathy experienced less improvement at three months. This study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing persistent postoperative pain, including close follow-up and individualized treatment strategies. The findings support the use of ESPB within a comprehensive pain management plan for patients experiencing chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery. However, further research is needed to determine the duration of analgesia and effectiveness in specific patient subgroups.

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1.
Carvalheiro Fagulha L, Montero A. Effectiveness of the erector spinae plane block for the management of persistent pain after lumbar surgery: a prospective study. Adv Health Res [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 22 [cited 2025 Jun. 15];2. Available from: https://www.ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/21
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