Does Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Improve Pain after Hysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: Determine whether the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an effective adjunct to control postoperative pain during the first 24 hours after minimally invasive hysterectomy. Methods: Prospective cohort observational study of patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy. Patients either received a QLB or did not. Initial postoperative pain scores were recorded in the postanesthesia recovery area using a numeric rating scale. Patients were then called to collect 24-hour scores and analgesic medication usage. The primary outcome was the 3-hour pain score. Secondary analysis evaluated use of analgesic medication. Results: = .384) in the QLB group. Opioid, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen usage was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: There was no significant pain difference between the no-QLB and QLB groups. Patients who received a QLB were more likely to receive pain medication 3 hours after surgery. Thus, the use of a QLB does not appear to be a suitable adjunct for postoperative pain.