Single-dose epidural bupivacaine vs placebo after lumbar decompression surgery: A Randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAdequate postoperative pain management following lumbar spinal decompression surgery is important as it will lead to early mobilization, less complications and shorter hospital stay. Opioid consumption should be limited due to their frequently accompanied side effects and their addictive nature. During the final phase of lumbar decompression surgery, the epidural space becomes easily accessible. This might be an ideal moment for surgeons to administer an epidural bolus of analgesia, as a safe and effective method for post-operative pain relief. MethodsThis is a double blind randomized controlled trial comparing a single intraoperative bolus of epidural analgesia using bupivacaine 0.25% to placebo (NaCl 0,9%) and its effect on postoperative pain following lumbar spinal decompression surgery. The primary outcome was the difference in NRS pain between the intervention and placebo groups during the first 48h after surgery. It was hypothesized that the intervention group will have lower postoperative NRS pain scores. ResultsBoth the intervention group and the placebo group consisted of 20 randomized patients (N=40). We observed statistically significant lower NRS pain scores in the intervention group in comparison with the control group, with a difference of -1.9 ({+/-}1.1). The average pain score was lower in the intervention group at all postoperative time-points. Opioid consumption, quality of life and satisfaction were similar between study groups. No study related complications occurred, and complications rate did not differ between study groups. ConclusionThis randomized controlled trial shows that administrating a bolus of intraoperative epidural bupivacaine is a safe and effective method in reducing early postoperative pain following lumbar decompression surgery.