Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Block Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Laparotomies

Superficial probe will be placed 2-3 cm lateral to the spine using a sagittal approach at the level of T8. After identification of erector spinae muscle and transverse processes, the needle will be inserted deeply into the erector spinae muscle. Correct position of the needle tip is confirmed with administration of 0.5-1 ml of local anesthetic (LA), and 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine will be administered to perform ESP block. LA spread to both cranial and caudal directions will be seen.

"A curved array transducer for the transmuscular QL (TQL) nerve block is placed in the axial plane on the patient's flank just cranial to the iliac crest. The shamrock sign is visualized: The transverse process of vertebra L4 is the stem, whereas the erector spinae posteriorly, QL laterally, and psoas major anteriorly represents the three leaves of the trefoil. The target for injection is the fascial plane between the QL and psoas major muscles. The needle is inserted using an in-plane technique from the posterior end of the transducer through the QL muscle. The injectate (20ml of bupivacaine 0.25%) should ideally spread from the injection site inside the fascial plane between the QL and psoas major muscles to the thoracic paravertebral space with a goal to accomplish segmental somatic and visceral analgesia from T4 to L1."

patients received no regional block