Effectivity of Quadratus Lumborum Block in Pediatric Patient Undergoing Abdominal Surgery at Sanglah General Hospital: A Case Series

Abstract

The Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) technique is a peripheral nerve block technique that aims to block pain in the abdominal area. This technique can be useful in surgeries with abdominal-pelvic incisions. In clinical studies, QLB have also been shown to provide less opioid consumption and longer postoperative analgesia than most of conventional procedures such as TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane) blocks. Our case series study included five patients undergoing abdominal procedure with QLB approach. Mean age of patients included in this study was 2,8 years old; mean weight of 15,2 kg; mean height of 98,8 cm and mean BMI of 71 kg/m2. All patients were classified as ASA physical status I-II. Mean duration of operation was 94 minutes, and mean total opioid used was 6,6 mg. The pain severity score in FLACC was 0 in all patients at 0, 1st and 2nd hours post-operatively. However, the FLACC score at 4th hours were variable with a maximum score of 3. All patients had the FLACC score of 0 after the 4th hours. This study concludes that QLB is an effective analgesic option for patients undergoing abdominal procedure reflected by lower pain intensity using FLACC scoring system and reduced post-operative analgesic consumption. Keywords: Quadratus Lumborum Block, Post-Operative Analgesia, Opioid.