Randomized controlled trial to compare post operative analgesia between ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane block in children undergoing pyeloplasty

Background: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) have demonstrated efficacy in providing postoperative analgesia following abdominal surgeries. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness in pediatric renal surgeries remain limited. The present study aimed to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia between ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane blocks in children undergoing open pyeloplasty. Methods: Sixty children undergoing pyeloplasty, aged between 6 months and 7 years were randomized to receive ultrasound guided ESPB or QLB after induction of general anesthesia. Time to first rescue analgesia, total analgesic requirement, and time to perform the block were observed. Results: < 0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block provides longer duration of postoperative analgesia with lesser total analgesic requirement as compared to erector spinae plane block in children undergoing pyeloplasty, with marginally longer time to administer quadratus lumborum block.