Analgesia Following Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar discectomy surgeries are often the last option for patients with disc herniation who do not improve with conservative treatments. However, these procedures can lead to significant perioperative pain that may become chronic without effective management. While intravenous opioids are commonly used for pain control, they can complicate recovery and pose risks like dependence. In contrast, regional anesthetic techniques offer advantages such as quicker recovery, better postoperative pain relief, and reduced opioid use, which can lead to shorter hospital stays. Our study aims to compare the effectiveness of the retrolaminar block with local wound infiltration for pain management following posterior lumbar discectomy surgeries, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Elective surgical decompression of single-level herniated lumbar disc. Exclusion Criteria: * Opioid-dependent patients. * Known hypersensitivity to bupivacaine. * Diabetic patients. * Uncooperative patient or with altered mental status. * Previous spine surgery.