Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background: Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block (TQLB) is a newer modality for postoperative pain management. But, its efficacy after laparoscopic colorectal surgery is little researched. The aim of our trial was to access the analgesic efficacy of TQLB in colorectal surgery.Methods:This study was done in 64 patients posted for colorectal surgery who were divided into two groups of 32 each. TQLB was given bilaterally in group RQ with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and in group SQ with 20 ml saline. Patients were operated under general anesthesia and were examined for pain at different time points postoperatively. Time required for first analgesic demand was our primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were total rescue analgesia (paracetamol) required in 24 hrs, pain scores, nausea, vomiting, sedation and any other complications.Results:The time required for first analgesic demand was 3.9± 0.8hrs in RQ group and 0.1± 0.2 hrs in group SQ which was statistically significant. The total paracetamol consumption in 24 hours was1.2± 0.4 gm in group RQ and 2.9± 0.7gm in group SQ ,the difference being remarkable.Conclusion:Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block can produce quality analgesia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. TQLB not only improves the visual analogue scale (VAS) score but also decreases the rescue analgesic consumption without any complications.

The Effect of Isometric Hip External Rotation on Lower Extremity Muscles Activities During Pelvic Drop With Different Positions of the Hip Rotation in Subjects With and Without Genu Valgum: Controlled Laboratory Study

Background: Gluteus medius muscle (Gmed) dysfunction has been confirmed as a functional defect in subjects with Genu Valgum Deformity (GVD). In relation to these subjects, increase Gmed activity without synergist muscles dominance is considered as part of a specialized exercise program. Methods: A total of thirty female recreational athletes with (n=15) and without (n=15) GVD participated in this study. Surface electromyography measured Gmed, tensor fascia latae (TFL), and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles activity when subjects performed pelvic drop (PD) in three different positions of hip rotations with and without applied isometric hip external rotation force. Results: There were differences in muscle activity between GVD and healthy subjects. The Gmed/TFL and Gmed/QL muscles activity ratio altered when placing the hip in different rotation positions and applying isometric load. Conclusions: The lower extremity muscles activity is affected by GVD, and changing the positions of the hip rotation in the PD task can be associated with altered muscle activity in both GVD and healthy Groups. However, applying isometric hip external rotation during PD can be suggested as an effective intervention to increase Gmed activity.

Evaluation of High-Volume Injections Using a Modified Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block Approach in Canine Cadavers

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block targets the fascial plane surrounding the QL muscle providing abdominal somatic and visceral analgesia. The extension of its analgesic effects is a subject of research, as it could not cover areas of the cranial abdomen in dogs. This study assesses in eight thawed canine cadavers, the distribution of high-volume injections (0.6 mL kg−1 of a mixture of methylene blue and iopromide) injected between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body of L1. Anatomical features of the area of interest were studied in two cadavers. In another six dogs, QL blocks were performed bilaterally under ultrasound-guidance. The distribution of contrast was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Hypaxial abdominal muscles were dissected to visualize the dye spread (spinal nerves and sympathetic trunk) in 5 cadavers. The remaining cadaver was refrozen and cross-sectioned. CT studies showed a maximum distribution of contrast from T10 to L7. The methylene blue stained T13 (10%), L1 (100%), L2 (100%), L3 (100%), L4 (60%) and the sympathetic trunk T10 (10%), T11 (20%), T12 (30%), T13 (70%), L1 (80%), L2 (80%), L3 (60%) and L4 (30%). These findings may suggest that despite the high volume of injectate administered, this modified QL block could not produce somatic analgesia of the cranial abdomen, although it could provide visceral analgesia in dogs.

Evaluation of Quadratus Lumborum Block as Part of an Opioid-Free Anaesthesia for Canine Ovariohysterectomy

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is used to provide analgesia for abdominal surgery in humans. The aim of this study was to assess an anaesthetic protocol involving the QLB for canine ovariohysterectomy. Ten dogs were included. Anaesthetic protocol consisted of premedication with IM medetomidine (20 μg kg−1) and SC meloxicam (0.1 mg kg−1), induction with propofol to effect, and maintenance with sevoflurane in oxygen/medical air. QLB was performed injecting 0.4 mL kg−1 of 0.25% bupivacaine/iohexol per side. Computed Tomography (CT) was performed before and after surgery. Fentanyl was administered as rescue analgesia during surgery. The Short Form of The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale and thermal threshold (TT) at the level of the elbow, T10, T13 and L3 were assessed before premedication and every hour postoperatively. Methadone was given as rescue analgesia postoperatively when pain score was >3. A Yuen’s test on trimmed means for dependent samples was used to analyse the data (p < 0.05). CT images showed spreading of the contrast/block for a median (range) of 3 (2–5) vertebrae, without differences between preoperative and postoperative images. One dog needed rescue analgesia during surgery. Pain score was less than 4/24 in all the animals during the first 4 h after surgery. TT showed a significant increased signal in all the areas tested, apart from the humerus, 30 min after surgery. The QLB may provide additional analgesia for canine ovariohysterectomy. Further studies are needed to assess the specific contribution of the QLB in abdominal analgesia.