Quadratus Lumborum Block Using Loss-of-resistance Versus Ultrasound-guided Technique

Quadratus Lumborum Block Using Loss-of-resistance Versus Ultrasound-guided Technique

This study aims to explore the feasibility of using loss-of-resistance technique for Quadratus Lumborum block (QLB). And to compare between the Ultrasound guided QLB type II and the loss-of-resistance technique for QLB as regards the degree and duration of analgesia and side effects.

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an abdominal plane block with increasing popularity. QLB is achieved by local anesthetic infiltration at the anterolateral aspect of quadratus lumborum muscle (QLB-I), or at the posterior aspect of the muscle (QLB-II), or transmuscular (QL-TM block). Ultrasound-guided technique is the usual route used for QLB performance. QLB had been considered a modification of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block[4]. A cadaveric study had showed similar local anesthetic spread in both QL and TAP blocks.

TAP block could be performed by using either the ultrasound or loss-of-resistance technique; whilst, QLB is only performed using the ultrasound and the feasibility of loss-of-resistance technique had not been investigated for this block.

This study aims to explore the feasibility of using loss-of-resistance technique for QLB. And to compare between the Ultrasound guided QLB type II and the loss-of-resistance technique for QLB as regards the degree and duration of analgesia and side effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal to regional block,
• Pregnancy
• Coagulopathy
• Cognitive impairment
• Inflammation or infection at the puncture site
• History of allergic reaction to study medications