Ultrasound-guided Quadratus Lumborum Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Recently, several case reports and limited randomized studies have shown that the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is effective in providing pain relief after intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal operations. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has also been proposed as a promising operative treatment for renal carcinoma because it enables early recovery and ambulation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the analgesic and opioid-sparing effects of a single-injection QLB, which may paly an important role on early recovery program in RAPN.MethodsFifty-six patients undergoing elective RAPN under general anesthesia were randomised to two equally sized groups. Patients were randomly allocated to receive unilateral QLB (n=28) with 0.375% bupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg (QLB group) or a conventional scheme (n=28) group (Control group). The QLB technique was performed as first described by Blanco, termed QLB2. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores with movement at 6 hours postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were the morphine consumption at different time-period after surgery, morphine-related side effects and assessment of postoperative rehabilitation. ResultsBoth VAS pain score and cumulative opioid consumption were significantly lower in the QLB group at 6 hours after surgery as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). There was significant difference in pain scores at any other time-point except at 4 hours on movement and 48 hours at rest. However, no significant difference was observed in 12-48 hours cumulative opioid consumption, and in the duration of PACU and hospital stay between the two groups. The patient recovery scores was significantly higher in the QLB group.ConclusionsSingle-injection pre-emptive QLB applied to RAPN was effective and provided satisfactory analgesia and opioids-sparing in combination with a typical patient-controlled analgesia. In addition, it may provide an effective technique for early recovery in perioperative period.