Article Text
Abstract
Background and aims To evaluate the analgesic effect of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in pediatric patients administered before laparatomy.
Methods This study was completed at the Faculty of Medicine, Vinnitsa National Medical University, Vinnitsa, Ukraine, between September 2018 and April 2019. In a prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study, 38 pediatric patients scheduled for laparotomy operations were randomized to group Q (treatment group) or group C (controls). After receiving general anesthesia, group T received a QLB block using 0,3 mL per kg 0.25% bupivacaine on the bilateral side, whereas group C received a control block using 0,3 mL per kg 0.9% Sodium chloride. During the first 24 hours after surgery, the patient pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and while coughing. Postoperative patient controlled analgesia morphine consumption, VAS scores, and side effects were recorded.
Results Of 38 patients, Group Q (n=18) had significantly lower VAS pain scores than Group C (n=20) both at rest and while coughing. the total morphine consumed was lower (6.3 ± 4.0) versus 19.1 ± 6.4 mg, p<0.001) in the 24 hours after surgery.
Conclusions As part of a multimodal analgesic regime after laparotomy, morphine consumption and VAS pain scores were significantly lower among those receiving 0,3 mL per kg 0.25% bupivacaine administered for a QL block than among controls.