SENSORY ASSESSMENT OF INTRAMUSCULAR QUADRATUS LUMBORUM BLOCK AT THE L2 LEVEL IN OPEN INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Open inguinal hernia repair is a commonly performed surgical procedure associated with significant postoperative pain. Effective analgesia is essential for improving recovery and reducing opioid consumption. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a relatively new regional anesthesia technique that targets the lumbar plexus to provide analgesia for abdominal surgeries. This study aims to assess the sensory block achieved through the intramuscular QLB at the L2 level in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and sensory outcomes of the intramuscular QLB at the L2 level in providing analgesia for patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial included 80 patients scheduled for open inguinal hernia repair. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received intramuscular QLB at the L2 level, while Group B served as the control group receiving standard analgesia. Sensory assessment was performed using a pinprick test at designated dermatomes preoperatively and at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome was the extent and duration of sensory block achieved.

Results: Patients in Group A exhibited a significant increase in the sensory block area compared to Group B. The median sensory block duration in Group A was 12 hours, compared to 4 hours in Group B (p < 0.001). The need for supplementary analgesia was significantly lower in Group A.

Conclusion: The intramuscular quadratus lumborum block at the L2 level provides effective sensory analgesia for patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. This technique may reduce postoperative pain and the need for opioid analgesics, thereby improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Keywords: Quadratus lumborum block, inguinal hernia repair, sensory assessment, regional anesthesia, postoperative analgesia.