Quadratus Lumborum Blockade for Postoperative Analgesia in Infants and Children Following Colorectal Surgery

Background: Adult studies have indicated that the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) may provide superior analgesia compared to single-shot neuraxial and other truncal peripheral nerve blocks. The technique is being increasingly used for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. To date, these pediatric reports have been limited by small sample sizes, which may hinder the interpretation of results and assessment of safety. In this study, we retrospectively examined QLBs performed at a large tertiary care hospital for evidence of effectiveness and safety in the pediatric colorectal surgery population.

Methods: Patients less than 21 years of age who underwent abdominal surgery and received a unilateral or bilateral QLB over a 4-year period were identified in the electronic medical record. Patient demographics, surgery type, and QLB characteristics were retrospectively examined. Pain scores and opioid consumption were tabulated over the first 72-h postoperative period. QLB procedural complications or adverse events attributable to the regional anesthetic were obtained.

Results: The study cohort included 204 QLBs in 163 pediatric-aged patients (2 days to 19 years of age, median age of 2.4 years). The most common indication was unilateral blockade for ostomy creation or reversal. The majority of QLBs were performed using ropivacaine 0.2% with a median volume of 0.6 mL/kg. The median opioid requirement in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) was 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 MME/kg on the first, second, and third postoperative days, respectively. Median pain scores were less than 2 over each time period. Aside from block failure (incidence 1.2%), there were no complications or postoperative adverse events related to the QLBs.

Conclusion: This retrospective review in a large cohort of pediatric patients demonstrates that the QLB can be performed safely and efficiently in children undergoing colorectal surgery. The QLB provides adequate postoperative analgesia, has a high success rate, may limit postoperative opioid consumption, and is associated with a limited adverse effect profile.