A Comparative Study of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia following Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract

perations rate increased those days and postoperative pain control. 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 regional anathesia. In the past few years, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been increasedly used for postoperative pain relief after lower abdominal surgeries. The main advantage of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) compared to TAP block is the extension of local anesthetic agent beyond the transversus abdominis plane to the thoracic paravertebral space. The wider spread of the local anesthetic agents may produce extensive analgesia and prolonged action of the injected local anesthetic solution. The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided QLB2 compared with TAP block during lower abdominal surgeries and in the early postoperative period regarding pain relief, provision of comfort, and improved respiratory functions. After approval of anesthesiology department scientific and ethical committees in Ain Shams University Hospitals, patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries wer