Do Perineural Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine Improve Analgesia and Inflammatory Response After Lumbar Spine Surgery?

The authors investigate whether the addition of perineural adjuvants, specifically dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine, to an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) improves postoperative analgesia and reduces inflammatory responses in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Their findings indicate that both adjuvants prolong the time to first rescue opioid administration and reduce pain scores, with dexamethasone showing superior effects in lowering systemic inflammation. This study suggests a tailored approach to selecting adjuvants based on desired analgesic outcomes and opioid consumption.