Ultrasound-guided trans-incisional quadratus lumborum block versus ultrasound-guided caudal analgesia in pediatric open renal surgery: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

The caudal route is a common approach for postoperative analgesia; however, it is associated with limited duration of action. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) may produce prolonged postoperative analgesia. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound-guided caudal block with that of the ultrasound-guided transincisional QLB (TiQLB) in pediatric patients undergoing open renal surgery.

METHODS

Forty patients of both sexes, aged 2-11 years, were randomly assigned to receive either caudal analgesia with 1.25 ml/kg of bupivacaine 0.2% (Caudal group; n = 20) or a QLB with 0.5 ml/kg of bupivacaine 0.2% (TiQLB group; n = 20) in addition to standard general anesthesia. Time to first analgesia was the primary outcome. Total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively, pain scores, and the incidence of side effects were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in the TiQLB group than in the Caudal group (18.8 ± 5.1 vs. 6.7 ± 0.7 h, P < 0.001). Total ketorolac consumption and pain scores were significantly lower in the TiQLB group (P < 0.001). A few cases of mild postoperative nausea and vomiting were noted among patients in both groups; however, the difference was not statistically significant. No incidence of pruritus, shivering, or respiratory depression was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Analgesia after the ultrasound-guided TiQLB with bupivacaine was superior to that after the ultrasound-guided caudal block, with similar side effects.