Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Research Articles

Comparison of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery: a prospective randomized non-inferiority clinical trial

Abstract Background and Aims: Regional techniques are a part of multimodal analgesia following cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery warrants a regional technique, which can provide somatic and visceral analgesia-like quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB). In this study, we investigated the non-inferiority of ESPB at T12 and transmuscular-QLB (TQLB) at L2-L3 for postoperative analgesia in cesarean delivery. Material and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 124 patients undergoing cesarean delivery were enrolled to receive bilateral TQLB or ESPB with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine on each side. All patients received prophylactic acetaminophen and ketorolac for 2 days. Our primary objective was to compare the total tramadol consumption in the first 48 h between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare cumulative tramadol consumption, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score at rest, and with movement at various time points, the time for first rescue analgesic requirement, development of complications related to the block, and patient satisfaction with analgesia between the two groups. Results: The total tramadol consumption in 48 h (47.3 ± 34.9 mg in ESPB and 50.9 ± 38.7 mg in TQLB), duration of first rescue analgesic (22.8 ± 15.8 h in ESPB and 22.7 ± 15.6 h in TQLB), and patient satisfaction were similar between the two groups. Both groups had similar pain scores except at rest at 6 h and on movement at 4 h, 6 h, and 36 h, whereas the ESPB group had lower NRS scores (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The analgesic effect of bilateral ESPB at T12 was non-inferior to that of bilateral TQLB post-caesarean delivery. Key Message: What is already known about the topic: Cesarean delivery warrants a regional analgesia technique which can provide somatic and visceral analgesia postoperatively. While quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a well-established technique for cesarean delivery there are very few comparative studies on erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in cesarean delivery. In the studies comparing ESPB for other lower abdominal procedures, it has been given at T9 only. What new information this study adds: The analgesic effect of bilateral ESPB at T12 was non-inferior to that of bilateral TQLB performed at L2-L3 with the same volume post-cesarean delivery and can be an important addition to multimodal analgesia protocols after cesarean delivery.

Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Laparoscopic Resection of Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Study.

In recent years, the attention paid to colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and postoperative analgesia has increased. The objective of the current study was to compare the impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) upon providing relief to patients with postoperative pain who underwent laparoscopic resection for CRC. In this prospective, comparative, and randomized study, the authors considered a total of 60 patients who chose to undergo laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. The total number of patients was randomly divided into two groups (such as ESPB and TQLB) so that each group had a total of 30 patients. For the former group, i.e., the ESPB group, 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered at each side for bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, while the latter group received the same dose of medicine for bilateral ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB). The researchers recorded the first time to rescue an analgesic, the whole amount of rescue analgesia under consumption in the first 24 hours after the surgical procedure, and associated adverse events. Among the groups considered, the ESPB group took a significantly lengthy time to raise a first request for rescue analgesic (280 ± 15.5 min) in comparison with the TQLB group (260 ± 13.8 min). Likewise, the consumption of overall nalbuphine was remarkably lesser in the ESPB group during the first 24 hours (24 ± 2.5 mg) compared to the TQLB group (30.5 ± 1.55 mg). The analgesic efficacy of ESPB was better when compared to TQLB in terms of time to rescue analgesia and overall opioid consumption during the first 24 hours. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/10/2022 (registration number: NCT05574283).

The anesthetic efficacy of ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus combined with quadratus lumborum block with Shamrock approach in total hip arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe lumbar plexus originates from multiple segments of the spinal cord. Both single-level lumbar plexus block (LPB) and transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) are commonly used to provide analgesia for the patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, neither of them can completely cover the lumbar plexus. Multiple-level LPB is also not recommended since this expert technique involves more potential risks. To achieve a better anesthetic effect and avoid risks, we propose to combine ultrasound-guided LPB with TQLB with Shamrock approach. We aim to assess the anesthetic efficacy of this combination technique and expect it will be an ideal alternative for conventional LPBs in THA.Methods and analysisIn this prospective randomized controlled trial, 84 patients schedule for THA will be enrolled. The patients will be randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio to receive LPB at L3 level (P group), T12 paravertebral block combined with LPB at L3 and L4 levels (TP group), or LPB combined with TQLB at L3 level (PQ group). Each method will be evaluated in terms of the successful rate of sensory blockade, postoperative pain, performance time of block, requirement for intraoperative sufentanil, cumulative doses of intraoperative vasoactive medications, and adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the institutional review board (IRB) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, China (No.2020–031). The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04266236. Registered on 10 February 2020. ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Record Summary NCT04266236.

Fascial plane blocks in children-Scientifically supported or not?

Since the introduction of Fascial Plane Blocks in 2007 there has been an enormous interest and application of Fascial Plane Blocks, evidenced by substantially more than 1000 PubMed items. Despite this gigantic number of publications, also including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses in children, there is still no clear-cut insight into how much of the purported effect is in fact due to the blockade of nerve structures and how much is merely adding the well-known analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plasma levels of local anesthetics that are achieved with these techniques. Furthermore, Fascial Plane Blocks appear useful only if compared to conventional multi-modal analgesia (no block or placebo) and Fascial Plane Blocks lack the potency to provide surgical anesthesia on their own and appear only to be of value when used for minor-moderate surgery. Despite the huge literature, there has so far not emerged any clinical situations where Fascial Plane Blocks have definitively been shown to be the block of choice, being decisively more effective than other established regional blocks. Lastly, Fascial Plane Blocks may appear as virtually free of complications, but case reports are emerging that point to a real risk for causing local anesthetic systemic toxicity when using Fascial Plane Blocks. This text aims to synthesize the current knowledge base regarding the Fascial Plane Blocks that are relevant to use in the pediatric context. In summary, there does currently not exist any convincing scientific evidence for the continued support for the use of Fascial Plane Blocks in children, except for the rectus sheath block and possibly also the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block.

Minimum effective concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block in total hip arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThis trial aimed to identify the Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC90, defined as the concentration which can provide successful block in 90% of patients) of 30 mL ropivacaine for single-shot ultrasound-guided transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) in patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). MethodsA double-blind, randomized dose-finding study using the biased coin design up-and-down sequential method, where the concentration of local anesthetic administered to each patient depended on the response from the previous one. Block success was defined as a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score during motion ≤ 3 at 6 hours after arrival in the ward. If the block was successful, the next subject received either a 0.025% smaller dose (probability of 0.11) or the same dose (probability of 0.89); otherwise, the next subject received a 0.025% higher ropivacaine concentration. MEC90, MEC95 and MEC99 were estimated by isotonic regression, and the corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the bootstrapping method. ResultsBased on the analysis of 52 patients, MEC90, MEC95, and MEC99 of ropivacaine for QLB were estimated to be 0.352% (95% CI 0.334–0.372%), 0.363% (95% CI 0.351–0.383%), and 0.373% (95% CI 0.363–0.386%). The concentration of ropivacaine at 0.352% in a volume of 30 ml can provide a successful block in 90% of patients. ConclusionsFor ultrasound-guided transmuscular QLB in patients undergoing THA, 0.352% ropivacaine in a volume of 30 ml can provide a successful block in 90% of patients. Further dose-finding studies and large sample size are required to verify the concentration.

Evaluation of Ultrasound- Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Hip Surgery

Abstract Background With improvement of surgical technique, hip surgery became more frequent with increased need for adequate postoperative analgesia The main advantage of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) compared to spinal anaesthesia is the extension of local anesthetic agent beyond the transverses abdominis plane to the thoracic paravertebral space producing extensive analgesia and prolonged action. Aim of the Work to assess the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US) trans-muscular QLB compared to spinal anaesthesia during Hip surgery and in the early postoperative period regarding pain relief, provision of comfort, and improved respiratory functions. Patients and Methods 64 patients were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups (n = 32; each); group QLB received US-guided QLB before induction of spinal anesthesia using 0.2 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.25%. Group Spinal Anaesthesia alone: received Spinal anaesthesia alone, 3.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 25 µg fentanyl. QLB results in decreased incidence and severity of postoperative pain resulting in a decrease in incidence and degree of sedation and total opioid requirement. The quadratus lumborum block was more efficient than the spinal anaesthesia alone. The first rescue for analgesia (pethidine), total pethidine consumption and pain scores (visual analog scale) in QLB group were superior to that for the spinal anaesthesia group. Conclusion patients having preoperative single shot QLB, as an adjuvant to spinal anesthesia, have significant less time for discharge from the postoperative care unit and better postoperative pain control compared to spinal anesthesia alone for hip surgery, in terms of VAS score and total opioid consumption as well as frequency of need.

A Comparative Study between Rectus Sheath Block and Quadratus Lumborum Block for Post-Operative Analgesia Following Para-Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Abstract Background Umbilical hernia repair, is a common day-surgery procedure and associated with considerable postoperative discomfort. The goal of postoperative pain management is provision of comfort, early mobilization and improved respiratory function without causing inadequate sedation and respiratory compromise, which can be achieved through using multimodal analgesic therapy, preference for regional techniques, avoidance of sedatives, non-invasive ventilation with supplemental oxygen and early mobilization. Aim of the Work To assess the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided trans-muscular quadratus lumborum block compared with rectus sheath block during para-umbilical hernia repair surgery and in the early postoperative period by measuring and comparing postoperative VAS score and first time to rescue analgesia and the total amount of opioid (pethidine) given in the first 24 hours. Patients and Methods Patients undergoing paraumbilical hernia repair will be randomly assigned into one of the following groups using computer generated codes and opaque sealed envelopes: Group 1 (QL group) will receive bilateral ultrasound guided QLB. Group 2 (RSB group) will receive bilateral ultrasound guided RSB. Results The two groups were adequately monitored and assessed post-operatively and they were compared regarding analgesic outcome by using the visual analogue scaling system, besides, recording time for first call for rescue analgesia. Demographic data, post-operative hemodynamics, and sedation score were also assessed. Conclusion Quadratus lumborum block was more effective technique in providing analgesia after para-umbilical hernia repair surgery in comparison to rectus sheath block and even more time covering to rescue opioid.

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block versus erector spinae plane block in children undergoing elective open pyeloplasty - A randomized, double-blinded, controlled study.

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QL-3) and erector spinae block (ESP) in children undergoing open pyeloplasty was done in this study. This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled study conducted in a tertiary care center, operating rooms, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and paediatric surgical ward. Sixty children of age 1-6 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status I or II, undergoing elective open pyeloplasty were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: group I (QL block-3) and group II (ESP). Both blocks were performed under USG guidance using 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine after induction of general anesthesia. Postoperative Modified Objective Pain Score (MOPS), perioperative hemodynamic parameters, perioperative time for first rescue analgesia, total rescue analgesia, and incidence of complications were recorded. Statistical tests were applied as follows: (i) quantitative variables were compared using independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test (when the data sets were not normally distributed) between the two groups, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Friedman test was used for comparison between different time intervals within the same group and (ii) qualitative variables were correlated using the Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pain was assessed using MOPS in the postoperative period at 0, 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. Overall, the pain scores were low and showed a decreasing trend toward baseline as time progressed. Group I showed lower score, but was statistically significant only at the sixth hour. Highest mean score was 2.4 ± 2.01 in group I and 2.67 ± 2.32 in group II. Perioperative hemodynamic parameters were comparable. Total rescue analgesia during the perioperative period was not statistically significant (intraoperative P = 0.075 and postoperative P = 0.928). Also, 63.33% patients in group I and 63% patients in group II required rescue analgesia in the postoperative period and were comparable. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for first rescue analgesia time was 6.32 ± 12.57 in group I and 16.67 ± 31.25 in group II, but not significant. The distribution in group II was skewed, hence the larger value for group II, but when compared to group I, this was statistically not significant. Both ultrasound-guided ESP block and QL block using 0.25% ropivacaine 0.5 ml/kg provided adequate analgesia during the first 24 h post-surgery in children undergoing open pyeloplasty. The fentanyl requirement during the first 24-h postoperative period was also decreased.

The analgesic effect of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block versus erector spinae plane block for women undergoing elective Caesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to compare the analgesic effect and quality of recovery of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in the presence of multimodal analgesia following Caesarean section. This randomised controlled trial included full-term pregnant women who underwent elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia without intrathecal morphine. The included women were randomised to receive either bilateral QLB (n = 51) or bilateral thoracic ESPB (n = 51), in addition to the control group (n = 51) who did not receive any block. All participants received regular paracetamol (1g/6h) and diclofenac (50mg/8h). Intravenous morphine was used as a rescue analgesic. The primary outcome was time to first morphine requirement. Secondary outcomes included total postoperative morphine consumption and total Obstetric Quality of Recovery-11 (ObsQoR-11) score. We analysed 51, 50 and 48 patients in the QLB, ESPB and control groups, respectively. The time to first morphine requirement in both QLB and ESPB groups was longer than that in the control group (median [quartiles] time: 6 [6,12] h, 6 [6,6] h and 4 [3,4] h, respectively; p-value <0.001), without significant differences between the two former groups. The total morphine consumption in both QLB and ESPB groups was lower than that in the control group (median [quartiles]:0 [0,5] mg, 0 [0,5] mg and 25 [25,30] mg, respectively; p-value <0.001), without significant differences between the two former groups. The QLB and ESPB groups had comparable ObsQoR-11 score, and both groups' scores were higher than the control group. In patients undergoing elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia without intrathecal morphine, both QLB and ESPB provided superior analgesia and quality of recovery compared to the standard care, without significant difference between the two blocks.

Comparison of continuous transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and continuous psoas compartment block for posterior total hip arthroplasty: A randomised controlled trial.

Analgesia for hip surgery involves cutaneous anaesthesia at the site of the skin incision and the anterior hip capsule. This study aimed to compare continuous ultrasound (US)-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) with psoas compartment block (PCB) for analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) under general anaesthesia (GA). This randomised, observer-blinded trial included 18-70-year-old American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III patients undergoing THA under GA with either US-guided continuous TQLB or PCB. Primary objectives included a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-100 mm) at rest and mobilisation at 6 h postoperatively (analysed by intention to treat and per protocol) using a non-inferiority margin of 20 mm. Secondary objectives included VAS at other time points, 24-h fentanyl consumption (analysed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test), sensory dermatomes anaesthetised, motor weakness 30 min after block, and haemodynamic response to skin incision (analysed using the Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test). A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. VAS (0-100 mm) score at 6 h on rest was 25.34 ± 14.25 and 27.3 ± 9.6, mean difference (MD) was 1.9 [-3.3, 7.1] and at movement was 35.1 ± 23.0 and 38.6 ± 17.0, MD was 3.5 [-5.2, 12.2], in the PCB (n = 29) and QLB (n = 30) groups, respectively (i.e. less than the non-inferiority margin). However, VAS (rest) at 1, 12, and 24 h postoperatively and median (IQR) 24-h fentanyl consumption was significantly higher in the QLB group (1212.5 [300-2345] μg] when compared to the PCB group (635 [100-1645] μg; P = 0.0004). Though statistically, continuous QLB was non-inferior to continuous PCB for pain at rest and mobilisation at 6-hours postoperatively, a higher 24-hour perioperative fentanyl consumption and VAS show that QLB was clinically inferior to PCB.

A prospective randomised double blinded study-to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block in percutaneous Nephrolithotomy via VAS score

Introduction: Before the advent of ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia, post-operative pain in percutaneous nephrolithotomy was mainly confined to opioid consumption and other analgesics. The use of Ultrasound in regional anaesthesia has facilitated the visualization of anatomical structures, needle advancement and the spread of local anaesthetic. This has led to the development and refinement of fascial plane blocks. Quadratus Lumborum block (QLB) facilitates early postoperative ambulation and reduction in length of hospital stay by effective postoperative analgesia. Methods: In this prospective, randomised, double blinded study, 66 patients scheduled for elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) between 2021 and 2022 were randomised, 33 patients to receive ultrasound guided QLB with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 33 patients receive 20 ml of normal saline post intubation. During the postoperative period, each patient’s pain level was assessed by the Visual analog scale(VAS) score for pain: range 0-10 (0=no pain,10=worst pain ever).The VAS score at 15 mins,1hr, 2hr, 6hr,12hr, 24hr intervals, should be monitored. Results: VAS Score in Group A was less as compared to Group B. The difference was statistically significant at 15 min, 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 8h, 14h. Conclusion: Hence, ultrasound guided Transmuscular QLB had better analgesic efficacy in post PCNL surgery.

Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Does Not Provide Significant Benefit for Primary Hip Arthroscopy with Pericapsular Infiltration: A Randomized Control Trial

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) with pericapsular injection (PCI) versus PCI alone in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in terms of perioperative pain control, as well as postoperative function in the postoperative anesthesia unit (PACU) setting. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively randomized to receive 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in a TQLB (n= 52) with PCI versus PCI alone (n= 51). The PCI included 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine given by the surgeon. All analyzed patients received general anesthesia. The primary outcome was postoperative pain scores assessed via the numerical rating scale (NRS) at 30 minutes postoperatively and immediately prior to discharge. Secondary outcomes were opioid utilization, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), PACU recovery time, quadriceps strength (assessed after completion of PACU phase 1 criteria), and adverse events (nausea/vomiting). Average age, body mass index, and preoperative pain assessment were not significantly different between groups. There were no differences in NRS pain scores preoperatively, 30 minutes postoperatively, or immediately prior to discharge between groups (P > .05). Intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the TQLB group (MME: 16.8 ± 7.9) compared to controls (MME 20.6 ± 8.0; P= .009). However, there was no difference in the total opioid consumption (P > .05). There was no significant difference in total PACU length of stay (minutes) between the treatment (133.0 ± 48) and control groups (123.5 ± 47; P > .05). Quadriceps weakness was not significantly different between groups (P= .2). There was no difference in the number of patients that experienced nausea or vomiting between the TQLB group and control group (13% vs 16%; P= .99). Neither group had any reported serious adverse events. TQLB and PCI do not improve postoperative pain scores or total opioid consumption compared to PCI alone. TQLB may decrease the amount of intraoperative opiate usage. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Provides Effective Postoperative Analgesia for High Ligation of Spermatic Vein

Postoperative pain management after varicocele surgery poses a challenge for pediatric patients. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a novel regional analgesia technique that entails injecting a local anesthetic around the quadratus lumborum muscle using ultrasound guidance. In this study, we present the utilization of a single transmuscular QLB in two children as an effective postoperative analgesic method for laparoscopic extraperitoneal high ligation of the spermatic vein (LEHLSV).

Effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is a common surgical procedure that is frequently associated with substantial postoperative pain. As part of multimodal analgesia, the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) have been demonstrated to be effective. This study aimed to evaluate whether ESPB and TQLB reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption after TLH. A total of 90 female patients undergoing TLH were randomized to receive either ESPB, TQLB, or no intervention before general anesthesia. All patients received a patient-controlled sufentanil analgesia postoperatively. Postoperative pain and sufentanil consumption were evaluated. The primary outcome was cumulative sufentanil consumption at 12h postoperatively. The cumulative sufentanil consumption at 12h postoperatively was significantly lower in Group ESPB than in Group CON after Bonferroni correction (median [interquartile range], 0 [0, 4] μg vs. 6 [0, 10] μg; median difference = - 3; 95% confidence interval, - 6-0; P = 0.010). There were no significant differences between Group TQLB and CON (0 [0, 4] μg vs. 6 [0, 10] μg; P = 0.098) or between the two block groups (P = 1.000). When compared with Group CON, ESPB and TQLB persistently reduced pain scores until 6 and 4h after surgery, respectively (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in pain scores between the two block groups. ESPB and TQLB improved the quality of multimodal analgesia for TLH. ESPB may be more favorable due to the prolonged period of analgesia and decreased opioid consumption after TLH. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100048165, Registry URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=129578 . Date of registration: July 4, 2021. The patient enrollment began on July 12, 2021.

Impact of Bilateral Quadratus Lumborum Block Using Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The optimal dosage of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for postoperative analgesia of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) after laparoscopic myomectomy is not clear. Our study evaluated the analgesic and adverse effects of different doses of locally administered DEX. Patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Transmuscular bilateral QLB was conducted postoperatively using local anesthetic plus different doses of DEX, as an adjuvant, per side. Numeric rating scales (NRS) of pain score and heart rate (HR) were assessed after performing QLB. Additional analgesics through patient-controlled analgesia pump, recovery time to first flatus, hospital stay, and other outcomes were also compared. A total of 150 participants were randomly divided into 3 groups (DEX1 group: 0.1μg/kg; DEX2 group: 0.3μg/kg; DEX3 group: 0.5μg/kg), 50 for each group. Compared with the DEX1 group, NRS pain scores were lower in groups DEX2 and DEX3 ( P <0.017) 20 minutes after QLB and the significance lasted for 24 hours. Patients in groups DEX2 and DEX3 needed fewer additional analgesics than the group DEX1 ( P <0.017). HR in groups DEX2 and DEX3 was lower than the group DEX1 10 minutes and 20 minutes after QLB, respectively ( P <0.017). Sixty minutes after QLB, HR in the DEX3 group was still lower than the other groups. More patients in the DEX3 group were found bradycardia. Satisfaction score of postoperative analgesia was higher in groups DEX2 and DEX3 than the DEX1 group ( P <0.017). The results suggest that solution of DEX 0.3μg/kg in ropivacaine 0.25% for QLB is recommended to relieve postoperative pain after laparoscopic myomectomy effectively and safely.

Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in supine position for abdominal surgeries: Pros and cons.

Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in supine position for abdominal surgeries: Pros and cons.

Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Single Level Paravertebral Block vs Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block (III) for Postoperative Analgesia after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Surgeries- A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Pain control forms an essential component of enhanced recovery after surgery. Regional nerve blocks forms the mainstay of pain relief now-a-days. Pain after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgeries is always distressing to the patient due to injury to the renal capsule. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Ultrasound (USG) guided Paravertebral Block (PVB) versus Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) for postoperative analgesia following PCNL surgeries. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study was done between February 2021 to August 2022 at Narayana Medical College and Hospitals, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. Sixty patients of American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) I and II between 30-60 years age group undergoing PCNL surgeries were divided into two groups. Group P received USG guided PVB at T9-T10 level with 20 mL of 0.25% Levobupivacaine with 8 mg Dexamethasone whereas group Q received QLB (III) with 20 mL of 0.25% Levobupivacaine with 8 mg Dexamethasone. Visual Analogue Score (VAS), time for first rescue analgesic and number of patients requiring rescue analgesic in first 24 hours were measured. unpaired t-test was used to compare continuous variables whereas the Chi-square test was to compare the categorical variables. Results: There was no statistical difference in terms of sex, age, weight, height or ASA grade (p&gt;0.05). The mean time required for rescue analgesia in group P was around 478 minutes compared to group Q with 346 minutes which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Mean tramadol consumption in group Q was significantly high (155 mg) compared to group P (125 mg). VAS was significantly better in group P. Conclusion: USG guided single level PVB provides superior analgesia compared to transmuscular QLB for postoperative analgesia after PCNL surgeries which helps in enhanced recovery after surgery.

Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block at the Lateral Supra-Arcuate Ligament versus Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block for Analgesia after Elective Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of trans-muscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) in analgesia after cesarean delivery. However, the influence of anterior QLB at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament (QLB-LSAL) in this surgery is unclear. This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of bilateral TQLBs with bilateral QLBs-LSAL following cesarean delivery. Ninety-four parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were enrolled and randomly allocated to undergo either bilateral TQLBs or bilateral QLBs-LSAL with 0.375% of ropivacaine (20 mL each side) following cesarean delivery. Intravenous sufentanil was administered for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The primary outcome was postoperative sufentanil consumption during the initial 24 h post-surgery. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, time to the first PCA request, postoperative rescue analgesia, satisfaction scores, and nausea/vomiting events. Sufentanil consumption was significantly reduced in the QLB-LSAL group in the first 24 h compared with the TQLB group after surgery (29.4 ± 5.7 μg vs. 39.4 ± 9.6 μg, p < 0.001). In comparison with TQLB, the time to the first PCA request in the QLB-LSAL group was significantly longer (10.9 ± 4.1 h vs. 6.7 ± 1.8 h, p < 0.001). No differences were observed between two groups regarding pain scores, rescue analgesia after surgery, satisfaction scores, or nausea/vomiting incidence. The significant reduction in opioid consumption in the first 24 h and prolongation in time to first opioid demand in parturients receiving QLB-LSAL compared with TQLB suggest that the QLB-LSAL is a superior choice for multimodal analgesia after cesarean delivery.

Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Infrainguinal Fascia Iliaca Nerve Block for Patients Undergoing Elective Hip Replacement: A Double-blinded, Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial.

PurposeTransmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block has been described as an effective option for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip replacement with single injection described as providing analgesia for up to 24 h. We hypothesize that a TQL block, when compared to fascia iliaca block (FIB), will provide better analgesia and less motor block in the initial 24-h postoperative period.Patients and MethodsFifty patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery, ASA I–III, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in group A received spinal anesthesia followed by FIB. Patients in group B received spinal anesthesia followed by TQLB. Postoperative pain scores and motor block were assessed at 6 and 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was 24 h total morphine consumption. Secondary outcome measures included pain score (VNS) and motor block (modified Bromage scale) at 6 and 24 h postoperatively.ResultsThere was no statistical difference in morphine consumption between the two groups (p-value 0.699). There was no difference in pain scores at 6 h (p-value 0.540) or 24 h (p-value 0.383). There was no difference in motor block at 6 h (p-value 0.497) or at 24 h (p-value 0.773).ConclusionTransmuscular quadratus lumborum block along with spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery does not reduce opioid consumption or motor weakness when compared to fascia iliaca block. The results and conclusion apply to a dose of 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine used in each group.

Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block versus thoracic erector spinae block for postoperative analgesia in caesarean section parturients under spinal anaesthesia-A randomised study.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Truncal blocks play an important role in multimodal analgesia regimens to manage the postoperative pain after lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). This study was aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) and thoracic erector spinae plane block (TESPB) in parturients of LSCS done under subarachnoid block (SAB).Methods:In a randomised and double blind study, 60 parturients scheduled for LSCS under spinal anaesthesia were randomly divided into two equal groups: group E (n = 30) and group Q (n = 30). After surgery, each parturient received either US guided bilateral TQLB (group Q) or TESPB (group E) with 20 ml 0.375% ropivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone on each side. Assessments were done at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h. The primary objective was to compare the duration of analgesia (first request to rescue analgesia) and the secondary objectives were to compare pain scores [numerical rating score (NRS)], total amount of tramadol consumption, incidence of nausea-vomiting, parturient satisfaction and other adverse effects in 24 hours postoperatively.Results:The duration of analgesia (mean ± standard deviation) was comparable in group E (11.90 ± 2.49 h) and group Q (12.56 ± 3.38 h), P = 0.19. Pain scores (NRS) at rest and on movement were comparable at all time points of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h (P > 0.05). The amount of tramadol used was comparable in group E and group Q (P = 0.48).Conclusion:TESPB and TQLB are equally efficacious to provide postoperative analgesia after LSCS done under SAB when used as a part of multimodal analgesia.