Ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for elective cesarean section significantly reduces postoperative opioid consumption and prolongs time to first opioid request: a double-blind randomized trial. Issue 9 (14th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hansen, Christian K; Dam, Mette; Steingrimsdottir, Gudny E; Laier, Gunnar Hellmund; Lebech, Morten; Poulsen, Troels Dirch; Chan, Vincent W S; Wolmarans, Morné; Bendtsen, Thomas Fichtner; Børglum, Jens
• Is Part Of: Regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Volume 44:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 896
• Page End: 900
• Publication Date: 2019-07-14
• Subjects: truncal blocks -- postoperative pain -- obstetrics; Conduction anesthesia -- Periodicals; Pain medicine -- Periodicals; 617.964
• DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100540
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-7339

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Elective cesarean section (ECS) can cause moderate to severe pain that often requires opioid administration. To enhance maternal recovery, and promote mother and baby interaction, it is important to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Various regional anesthesia techniques have been implemented to improve postoperative pain management following ECS. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block on reducing postoperative opioid consumption following ECS. Methods: A randomized double-blind trial with concealed allocation was conducted in 72 parturients who received bilateral TQL block with either 30 mL ropivacaine 0.375% or saline. TQL block injectate was deposited in the interfascial plane between the quadratus lumborum and psoas major muscles, posterior to the transversalis fascia. Primary outcome was opioid consumption, which was recorded electronically. Pain scores and time to first opioid request were also evaluated. Results: Opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents, OME) was significantly reduced in group ropivacaine (GRO) in the first 24 hours compared with group saline (65 mg OME vs 94 mg OME) with a mean difference of 29 mg OME; 95% CI 3 to 55, p<0.03. Time to first opioid request was significantly prolonged in GRO, p<0.003. Numerical rating scale pain scores were significantly lower in GRO in the first 6 hours after surgery, p<0.03. Conclusions: Bilateral TQL block significantly reduced 24 hours' opioid consumption. Further, we observed significant prolongation in time to first opioid, and significant reduction of pain during the first 6 postoperative hours.