Comparison of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain relief in unilateral inguinal hernioplasty surgeries

Abstract Background: Postoperative pain after abdominal surgery is multifactorial. It can be due to incision, from deep inside the abdomen, coughing, etc. In this, incision is the main contributor. Hence, pain management after surgery is crucial. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) versus transversus abdominis plane (TAP)-block for unilateral inguinal hernioplasty. Surgery was done under spinal anesthesia for postoperative pain relief. Materials and Methods: The Present study was a prospective, single-centre study. It had 70 cases who underwent unilateral inguinal hernioplasty surgery. The first group of 35 cases were given TAP block. The second group of 35 were given QLB. Duration of postoperative analgesia, pain, and supplemental analgesic requirement were compared in two groups. Results: Block performance time, duration of analgesia were significantly more in the QL group compared to the TAP group patients ( P < 0.05). Opioid dose requirement was significantly more in the TAP group compared to the QL group patients ( P < 0.05). Duration of surgery and onset of analgesia were comparable in the two groups ( P > 0.05). Pain scores were similar in the two groups till the first 2 h ( P > 0.05). Later, it was significantly more in the TAP group at 3, 4, 5 and 15 h ( P < 0.05). At 10 and 20 h, it was significantly more in the QL group compared to the TAP group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant reduction in pain was seen in those who received the QLB. They required significantly few number of analgesics.