RETROLAMINAR BLOCK WITH ANALGESIC EFFECTIVENESS FOR OPIOID-FREE ANESTHESIA AND IMPROVED RECOVERY AFTER LUMBAR DISCECTOMY

Abstract

Background: Intraoperative regional analgesia and improved recovery remain the models for standard treatment aimed at
minimizing the need for postoperative opioids during spine procedures. However, there is a scarcity of literature data for
assessing the analgesic effectiveness of retrolaminar block in these parameters.
Aim: The current study sought to determine the analgesic effectiveness of retrolaminar block for opioid-free anesthesia and
improved recovery after posterior lumbar discectomy.
Methods: The current study evaluated 144 participants undergoing elective posterior lumbar discectomy who were randomly
divided into two groups of 72 subjects each. Group I subjects had an intra-operative bilateral retrolaminar block with 0.25%
bupivacaine in 15mL dose, 10% of 200mg magnesium sulfate on each side, and 8mg of 2mL dexamethasone. Group II served
as a control group and was given standard general anesthesia. The outcomes evaluated were Aldrete score ≥9, time of discharge
from PACU, time to discharge (time of admission to PACU), and recovery time (time from isoflurane withdrawal to first
verbal).