Retrospective Analysis of Different Quadratus Lumborum Block Techniques on Recovery Quality and Analgesic Consumption in Radical Cystectomy Patients

This retrospective observational study evaluates the effects of different Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) techniques on postoperative recovery and total opioid consumption in patients undergoing radical cystectomy under general anesthesia. The study will analyze intraoperative and postoperative patient records from October 15, 2023, to October 15, 2024, at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Hospital. Patients who received anterior or posterior QLB for postoperative analgesia will be included. Data collection will involve demographic information, total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents), recovery quality scores (QoR-15), postoperative pain scores (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), time to first rescue analgesic administration, frequency of rescue analgesic use, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The retrospective analysis will compare the two QLB techniques to determine if there is a significant difference in postoperative opioid consumption and recovery quality. Statistical methods will be used to assess pain scores over time, opioid consumption, and overall recovery quality.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who underwent radical cystectomy under general anesthesia between October 15, 2023, and October 15, 2024.
2. Patients who received anterior or posterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for postoperative analgesia.
3. Age: 18-65 years.
4. ASA Physical Status Classification: I-III.
5. BMI \< 35 kg/m².
6. Complete medical records available for retrospective review.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who received a different postoperative analgesia technique (e.g., epidural, TAP block).
2. Incomplete or missing medical records.
3. Psychiatric disorders that could affect pain perception and reporting.
4. Coagulopathy or bleeding disorders.
5. Hepatic or renal failure.
6. Chronic opioid use before surgery.
7. Patients who required unplanned conversion to open surgery.

• BACKGROUNDKorgvee A, Veskimae E, Huhtala H, Koskinen H, Tammela T, Junttila E, Kalliomaki ML. Posterior quadratus lumborum block versus epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management after open radical cystectomy: A randomized clinical trial. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2023 Mar;67(3):347-355. doi: 10.1111/aas.14188. Epub 2023 Jan 3. PMID 36547262