The effect of impregnated autogenous epidural adipose tissue with bupivacaine, methylprednisolone acetate or normal saline on postoperative radicular and low back pain in lumbar disc surgery under spinal anesthesia; a randomized clinical trial study

BACKGROUND: Low Back Pain (LBP) and radicular leg pain (RLP) after lumbar disc surgery are great challenges that prevent patients and neurosurgeons in making a surgical decision. By spinal anesthesia, LBP and RLP diminish up to 2 to 3 hours postoperatively. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of impregnated epidural adipose tissue (EAT) with bupivacaine or methylprednisolone acetate on reduction of late postoperative pain after spinal anesthesia. METHODS: This study was performed on lumbar disc herniation surgery under spinal anesthesia. Sixty six patients entered our study who were divided into three groups, EAT impregnated with bupivacaine (group 1), methylprednisolone acetate (group2) and normal saline (control group). The LBP and RLP were evaluated during the first 24 hours postoperatively and 14 days later by visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Of 66 patients, 53% were female and 47% male. The average (SE) LBP in the first 6 hours after surgery based on VAS were 1.59 +/- 0.90 in group one, 2.36 +/- 2.38 in group 2 and 3.09 +/- 1.41 in control group but the VAS for RLP in this period were 1.95 +/- 1.13, 1.31 +/- 1.39 and 2.40 +/- 1.09, respectively. The average LBP and RLP did not show any differences after 14 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data bupivacaine was effective on LBP relief and steroid was effective on RLP relief during the first 12 hours after surgery.