ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the quadratus lumborum block and transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods Seventy?two elderly patients of both sexes, aged 65-72 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg∕m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅡorⅢ, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were di?vided into 2 groups(n=36 each)by coin toss: transversus abdominis plane block group(group T)and quadratus lumborum block group(group Q). Anesthesia was induced and maintained routinely. Bilateral subcostal transversus abdominis plane block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group T. Bilateral paravertebral approach to quadratus lumborum block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group Q. The height of sensory block was assessed at 30 min after block. Ramsay sedation scores and Bruggrmann comfort scale scores were recorded at 30 min after block and 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation. The requirement for parecoxib and fentanyl as rescue analgesics and complications such as nausea, vomiting, block of lower extremities and local anesthetic intoxication were recorded within 48 h after operation. Re?sults The height of sensory block was kept at T4?L1, and the main blocking area was T6?11in group T. The height of sensory block was kept at T4?L4, and the main blocking area was T6?L1in group Q. Compared with group T, the blocking area was enlarged, the requirement for parecoxib and fentanyl and incidence of nausea and vomiting were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and no significant change was found in Ram?say sedation scores or Bruggrmann comfort scale scores in group Q(P>0.05). Conclusion Quadratus lumborum block provides better efficacy for postoperative analgesia than transversus abdominis plane block in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery.