Assessing the Sensory Effects of Quadratus Lumborum Block at L2 Level in Open Inguinal Hernia Surgery Patients

Abstract

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an emerging regional anesthesia technique used for postoperative pain management in abdominal surgeries. This study aims to assess the sensory effects of QLB at the L2 level in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia surgery. A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients who received ultrasound-guided QLB at L2 before surgery. The primary outcomes included the extent and duration of sensory blockade, while secondary outcomes assessed postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction. The findings demonstrated that QLB at L2 provided extensive sensory blockade in the T12–L3 dermatomes, significantly reducing intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements. Patients who received QLB reported lower pain scores in the first 24 hours after surgery and exhibited prolonged analgesia compared to those who received conventional analgesia. No major complications were observed, and the technique was well tolerated. The study concludes that QLB at L2 is an effective and safe regional anesthesia technique for open inguinal hernia surgery, offering superior sensory blockade and improved postoperative pain control. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and volume of local anesthetic to enhance efficacy.