Aim: This study evaluated use of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) versus standard bupivacaine (SB) alone in quadratus lumborum (QL) blocks for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Materials & methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients received QL1 blocks with either LB (40 ml 0.125% SB plus 20 ml of LB) or SB (60 ml of 0.25% SB) with 30 ml per side. Opioid usage, pain scores, side effects and other medications were recorded. Results: For 78 patients (38 LB; 40 SB), all parameters were similar between groups, except that the LB group had a higher 48 h need for metoclopramide. Conclusion: LB provided no analgesic benefit over SB alone for QL blocks. Clinical Trials registration number: NCT03702621.
Keywords: block; bupivacaine; colorectal; liposomal; opioid usage; pain scores; quadratus lumborum; regional analgesia.
Lay abstract This study evaluated use of extended release bupivacaine (LB) versus standard bupivacaine (SB) alone in nerve blocks for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Patients undergoing colorectal surgery received nerve blocks with either LB combined with SB, or SB alone. Opioid usage, pain scores, side effects and other medications were recorded. For 78 patients (38 LB + SB; 40 SB), all parameters were similar between groups, except that the LB group had a higher 48 h need for anti-nausea medication. LB provided no pain control benefit over SB alone for nerve blocks in colorectal surgery.