Erector spinae plane block for spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is utilized in truncal surgeries, but its efficacy in spinal surgery patients is debated.
• Clinical benefits of ESP block in spinal surgery require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the clinical benefits of ESP block in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
• Searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases.
• Included 12 studies with 696 subjects comparing ESP block to nonblocked controls.

Main Results:

• ESP block significantly decreased postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption (intraoperative and postoperative).
• Prolonged time to first rescue analgesic and reduced need for rescue analgesia.
• Lowered incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• No significant effect on urinary retention, itching, hospital stay duration, or time to first ambulation.

Conclusions:

• ESP block enhances analgesic efficacy in spinal surgery patients compared to controls.
• Insufficient evidence exists to support ESP block's role in promoting rapid recovery after spinal surgery.