The Effect of the Modified Thoracolumbar Interfacial Nerve Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia and Healing Quality in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disk Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (TLIP) on postoperative analgesia and quality of recovery in patients undergoing lumbar disk surgery.

Method:

Ninety patients scheduled for lumbar disk surgery were divided into a control group (Group C) and a modified TLIP block group (Group T). Controlled analgesia was administered to both groups. Pain evaluation was performed at 30 min and at 1., 2., 4., 8.,12., and 24. hrs using a VAS scale, with patients at rest and duringand patients completed the QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory.

Results:

Fentanyl used during postoperative 24 hours was 742.5±220.3 mcg in Group C and 446.0±241.98 in Group T. Postoperative fentanyl consumption was statistically significantly lower in Group T (p<0.001) with a statistically significant intergroup difference. The patient’s pain, physical independence, physical comfort, psychological support, and emotional support were compared using the QoR-40 questionnaire survey. Significant differences in favor of Group T were observed (p<0.001, p=0.017, p=0.002, p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Static and dynamic pain scores in Group C and Group T were recorded at 30 min and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24^h. Mean static scores were statistically significantly different in favor of Group T with the exception of 8^th and 12^h assessments (p<0.05). Dynamic scores were statistically significantly different in favor of Group T at all time points (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Pain scores, opioid consumption and QoR-40 values after lumbar disk surgery were superior in the group undergoing TLIP. We think that the modified TLIP block may be an important method in terms of postoperative analgesia and patient recovery for lumbar spinal disk surgery.

Introduction

Spinal surgery is characterized by diffuse and severe postoperative pain¹. Various pharmacological options are available for the effective prevention of pain following spinal surgery. Protocols for reducing pain after lumbar surgery recommend the use of regional anesthesia techniques to reduce opioid analgesic use to a minimum². Interfascial plane blocks have the potential to provide extended postoperative analgesia and to reduce opioid consumption, and neuroaxial and plexus block-related motor block to a minimum³. The thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block was first described by Hand et al.,⁴ which is an interfascial plane block applied at the L3 vertebral level in spinal surgery. In the TLIP, the block needle is advanced in a lateromedial orientation, with a local anesthetic agent being administered between the multifidus and longissimus dorsi muscles. The modified TLIP block has been described as a method of reducing the risk of neuroaxial nerve injury which is easier to apply than the first LIP block described⁵. In the modified TLIP block the needle is advanced in a mediolateral orientation with a local anesthetic being administered between the longissimus and iliocostal muscles.

QoR-40 (Quality of recovery) is a five-dimension, 40-question inventory developed by P.S Myles that evaluates the patient’s emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, physical independence, and pain status. It was developed for the purpose of assessing quality of recovery after anesthesia and patients’ health status in the early postoperative period⁶. The minimum possible score is 40 and the maximum possible score is 200 points. Application of the inventory does not require any special training. The fact that it can be self-administered by the patient within a short time represents a significant advantage. Karaman et al. confirmed the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Turkish adaptation of QoR-40⁷.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of patient-controlled analgesia together with the modified TLIP block on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing single-level lumbar disk surgery.

Material and Methods

This study approved by the Ataturk University, Clinical Studies Ethics Committee, on May 30, 2019, 2019/475. Informed consent was obtained from the patients enrolled in this study.

Ninety patients aged 18-60 years evaluated according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class I-II physical status at preoperative assessment and scheduled for elective single level herniated lumbar disk surgery between June and September 2019 were included in the study. Morbidly obese patients (body mass index >35 kg/m²), patients with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids or allergic to anesthetic agents, cases having contraindication for TLIP block, with infection at or around the block entry site, coagulation abnormality, known hepatic, renal, or hematological disease, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, allergy, history of chronic pain, individuals who use analgesics routinely or within the previous 24 h, or refuse to take part in the study were excluded.

The study population was randomized into two groups of 45 patients each by using computer software. Patients were brought into the block room, where electrocardiogram (EKG), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation were monitored. Venous access was established through an 18 G cannula inserted into the left forearm. Intravenous (iv) premedication was performed with 0.025 mg/kg midazolam, with all patients in the prone position. The region where the block was to be applied was sterilized and protected with a sterile cover. Patients in the control group (Group C), received bilateral ultrasound-guided injection of a total amount of sterile 6 mL 0.9% saline solution delivered through the L3 level between the longissimus and iliocostal muscles. Patients in the modified TLIP block group (Group T) received bilateral ultrasound-guided injection of 20 mL bupivacaine up to a total of 40 ML delivered through L3 level between the longissimus and iliocostal muscles. A loss of cold sensation on the L1-L5 dermatomes 20 min after application was regarded as procedural success. Patients whose block procedures were unsuccessful were excluded from the study. Block procedures in both groups were performed by the same independent anesthesiologist.

Standard general anesthesia was applied to all patients. Propofol (2 mg/kg), fentanyl (2 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) were employed in anesthesia induction, while maintenance anesthesia was provided with mixture of 1-2% sevoflurane and a 50% N₂O/O₂. Thirty minutes before the end of the surgery, all patients received intravenous 50 mg dexketoprofen trometamol (Arveles amp. 50 mg/2 ml) in 100 cc 0.9% NaCl infused over 10 min. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl was used by patients in both groups. PCA was programmed as a 25 µg bolus and 15-min lockout time with no basal infusion and was maintained for 24 hrs. A repeat dose of iv 50 mg dexketoprofen trometamol (Arveles amp. 50 mg/2 ml) in 100 cc 0.9% NaCl was administered at postoperative 12 hours.

Postoperative follow-up and evaluation was performed by a researcher blinded to the study groups. Patients with visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of 4 or more in the recovery room and at follow-ups on the ward received 1 mg/kg tramadol for escape analgesia, and these patients were recorded. Postsurgical pain evaluation was performed using a VAS scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain) at 30 min and 1., 2., 4., 8., 12., and 24. hrs. VAS evaluation was performed with patients at rest (static) and in motion (raising the lower extremity). Postoperative nausea and vomiting (none, nausea only, or nausea+vomiting) were recorded. Patients with postoperative nausea or vomiting were given 10 mg iv metoclopramide. Patients’ age, sex, height, weight, and smoking status were recorded. Operative time was recorded, together with total fentanyl consumption at the end of 24 hrs. Patients were asked to complete the QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory. Patients were asked whether or not they were satisfied, and their responses were recorded.

Statistical Analysis

Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 20 statistical software. Data were expressed as mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum, percentage, and numerical values. Normality of distribution of continuous variables was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The independent samples-t test was used to compare two independent groups in case of normal distribution, and the Mann Whitney U test when normal distribution was not established. For categorical variables in 2x2 contingency tables, we used the Pearson chi-square test when the predicted value was >5, the chi-square Yates test when the predicted value was 3-5, and Fisher’s Exact test when the predicted value was < 3. P values <0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.

Power analysis

We calculated that 78 patients, 39 in each groups, would be required for a 126 mcg difference in fentanyl consumption to be statistically significant at 80% power and a 95% confidence interval when mean fentanyl consumption was 415±231 mcg in the control group and 289±154 mcg in the modified TLIP group⁸.

Results

Ninety patients were included in the study. From Group C, two patients refusing to take part , three meeting the exclusion criteria and from Group T one refusing to take part, two meeting the exclusion criteria, and two with unsuccessful blocks were excluded, and 80 patients were finally enrolled in the study.

No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex, weight, operative time, ASA, or smoking status (p>0.05) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Study group demographic data.

	Group C (n=40)	Group T (n=40)	p value
Gender (F/M)	18/22	19/21	0.823
Age (year)	44.63±8.48	43.98±10.85	0.743
Height (cm)	169.25±9.88	168.15±8.88	0.644
Weight (kg)	75.45±10.5	75.48±10.47	0.962
Operative time (min.)	75.75±13.42	77.75±15.44	0.603
ASA (I/II)	32/8	33/7	0.775
Smokers (n)	18	19	0.823

Group C: Control group, Group T: TLIP block group.

Postoperative 24-hour fentanyl consumption was 742.5±220.3 mcg in Group C, which was significantly lower (446.0±241.98 mcg) in Group T (p<0.001). Nineteen patients in Group C and six in Group T received escape analgesia, with a statistically significant intergroup difference (p=0.002). Twenty-six patients in Group C and 36 in Group T expressed satisfaction, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.025). Although the number of patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting was higher in Group C than in Group T, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0.275) (Table 2).

Table 2.

Postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction.

	Group C (n=40)	Group T (n=40)	p value
Total PCA fentanyl dose (mcg)	742.5±220.3	446.0±241.98	<0.001**
Analgesia leak (yes/no)	19/21	6/34	0.002**
PONV
None	16	22
Nausea	14	8	0.275
Nausea+Vomiting	10	10
Patient satisfaction (Satisfied/ Dissatisfied)	28/12	36/4	0.025*

Group C: Control group, Group T: TLIP block group. *Statistically significant difference (p<0.05), **Highly significant (p<0.01).

The QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory results were also subjected to analysis. Recovery was evaluated under five main headings as pain, physical independence, physical comfort, psychological support, and emotional state. Post-anesthetic quality of recovery and early postoperative health status were significantly superior in Group T (p<0.001, p=0.017, p=0.002, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Study group QoT-40 scores.

	Group C (n=40)	Group T (n=40)	p value
Pain	30±3	33±2	<0.001**
Physical independence	24±1	25±1	0.017*
Physical comfort	54±4	57±3	0.002**
Psychological support	32±1	33±2	0.001**
Emotional state	41±3	43±2	<0.001**

Group C: Control group, Group T: TLIP block group. *Statistically significant difference (p<0.05), **Highly significant (p<0.01).

Mean static and dynamic pain scores were recorded at 30 min, and at 1., 2., 4., 8., 12., and 24. hrs after surgery. Mean static pain scores were significantly in favor of Group T (p<0.05), apart from at 8 and 12 h-measurements (Figure 1). Mean dynamic pain scores were significantly in favor of Group T at all time intervals (p<0.05) (Figure 2).

Figure 1.

Static visual analog scale scores over 24h after surgery.

Figure 2.

Dynamic visual analog scale scores over 24h after surgery.

Discussion

TLIP is an interfascial plane block first described by Hand et al.⁴ for postoperative pain control following lumbar region surgeries. This block was redefined as the lateral TLIP block by Ueshima et al.⁵ using a different technique. In this novel technique, the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia is the same as that achieved in the first TLIP method described, although the infection rate is lower. This is due to the local anesthetic injection being closer to the surgical site in the first technique described⁹. In their retrospective 175 case series study involving the two described TLIP blocks, Ueshima et al.¹⁰ stated that the risk of complications was lower, and that the technique was safer in the modified TLIP. Xu et al.¹¹ reported in their three-case study that the modified TLIP block can be safely and easily employed for postoperative analgesia in lumbar region surgeries. We also employed the modified lateral TLIP block, described as an alternative to the first block technique, in the present study. The number of previous studies involving the modified TLIP block is quite limited. We used the QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory together with 24-h VAS scores in order to assess quality of recovery after anesthesia and patients’ early postoperative state. Any studies concerning the postoperative analgesia method used for these surgical procedures have not been performed so far.

Ammar et al.¹² used bilateral 20 ml (10 ml % 0.25 bupivacaine and 10 ml% 1 lidocaine) injection fluid in their single or multilevel lumbar disk operations and reported that the firstly described TLIP block was a safe and effective method for postoperative analgesia following lumbar discectomy. Ueshima et al.¹³ investigated the firstly described TLIP block by using 40 mL 0.375% levobupivacaine (20 mL to each side) in single-or multilevel lumbar disk operations and reported that this provided effective perioperative analgesia. As in the present research, in both of these studies static and dynamic VAS scores were recorded. The VAS scores obtained in the present research correlated exactly with the scores reported from those two earlier studies.

Ahiskalioglu et al.⁸ applied the modified TLIP block using 40 mL 0.25% bupivacaine (20 mL to each side) in their multilevel lumbar instrumentation surgeries and observed a statistically significant difference in 24 h static and dynamic VAS scores at all time points, in postoperative fentanyl consumption, and in the numbers of patients using rescue analgesia. The authors concluded that the modified TLIP block may represent an important component of multimodal analgesia in vertebral surgery. We also used 40 mL 0.25 bupivacaine in the present study (20 mL to each side). Similarly, we also observed VAS scores for 24 h and determined statistically significant differences between the groups in both static and dynamic VAS values with the exception of static VAS at 8. and 12. hrs. Significant differences were also observed between the groups in terms of postoperative fentanyl consumption and numbers of patients using rescue analgesia, in agreement with the results of Ahiskalioglu et al.’s study.

In their two-case study involving the modified TLIP block with 40 mL 0.375% ropivacaine (20 mL to each side) in multilevel lumbar disk surgeries, Li et al.¹⁴ showed an effective reduction in static pain over 48 h, and in dynamic pain over 24 h postoperatively. These findings are also consistent with the present study.

The QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory has recently started to be used to assess quality of early postoperative recovery in numerous studies. While different surgical and anesthetic techniques have been employed, the effectiveness of the analgesia method employed has been evaluated with QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory^15,16. We also employed QoR-40 together with VAS scores, postoperative fentanyl consumption, and numbers of patients using rescue analgesia. The QoR-40 quality of recovery subdimensions of emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, physical independence, and pain results were all significantly in favor of patients undergoing the modified TLIP block.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing the modified TLIP block had lower postoperative fentanyl requirements, less pain for 24 h after surgery, and better quality of recovery scores. We think that the modified TLIP block may represent an important stage in analgesia for lumbar spinal surgery.