Abstract
The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) involves deposition of local anaesthetic (LA) at various points around the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle. This leads to spread of LA to the paravertebral space analagous to the landmark based and the ultrasound-guided (USG) posterior transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks. There are three common approaches: QLB type 1 (anterolateral), QLB type 2 (posterior) and the transmuscular approach. Spread to the paravertebral space results in both somatic nerve block as well as the sympathetic nerves, which provide visceral innervation, thereby eliminating the need for any additional opiate analgesia. Due to the complete blockade of the abdominal wall and viscera any abdominal surgery can be undertaken with this technique. To date there have been no adverse events reported.
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Blanco, R., Børglum, J. (2018). Truncal Blocks: Quadratus Lumborum Blocks. In: Krige, A., Scott, M. (eds) Analgesia in Major Abdominal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94482-1_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94482-1_10
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