Analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block in lumbar spine surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

•Evidence for ESPB use in lumbar spine surgery is insufficient.•We performed evidence synthesis of 12 RCTs on ESPB vs. control for lumbar surgery.•ESPB improved analgesic efficacy by reducing opioid consumption 24 h after surgery.•ESPB increased patient satisfaction and decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting.•ESPB at the incision/operation level reduced opioid use more than at the fixed level.