The Role of Quadratus Lumborum Blocks Following Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

The Role of Quadratus Lumborum Blocks Following Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to compare quality of recovery as well as peri-operative systemic opiates use and pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy when local anesthetic versus Quadratus Lumborum nerve block (QL-2) is added to the standard pain management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English or Spanish speaking
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3
• Planned laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic pain requiring preoperative opioids, Known alcoholism disorder
• Congenital coagulopathy,
• Localized soft tissue infection,
• Use of anticoagulants,
• Dementia, inability or refusal to provide consent for the surgery
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 50), due to expected technical difficulty to achieve the block