Erector Spinae Plane Block vs Quadratus Lumborum Block for Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

In the postoperative period, 1 g of acetaminophen (Paracerol®) will be administered intravenously to patients every 8 hours. Patients in all groups will have IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA- CADD-Solis®) containing 10 mcg/ml fentanyl ( Talinat®). 10 mcg bolus without infusion dose, 20-minute lock time will be the protocol. Postoperative patient evaluation will be performed by another anesthesiologist. If the NRS score is ≥ 4, 0.5 mg/kg IV meperidine (Aldolan®) will be administered as a rescue analgesic.

The block will be applied while the patient is in the lateral decubitus position. The convex probe of US ( GE Healthcare®) will be placed longitudinally 4 cm lateral to the T11 transverse process. The erector spinae muscle and the hyperechoic transverse process will be visualized. Using the in-plane technique, the 100 mm block needle (Stimuplex 360®) will be advanced in the cranio-caudal direction and 5 ml of saline will be injected under the erector spinae muscle to confirm the block location. Once the block location is confirmed, 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (Marcaine®) will be administered.

QLB will be performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. The convex probe of US ( GE Healthcare®) will be placed at the level of the 12th rib, just above the iliac crest, in the parasagittal oblique plane, at the L1-L2 level. After the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and psoas major muscles are visualized, a 100 mm block needle (Stimuplex 360®) will be advanced in-plane anteriorly to QL, and the needle tip will be brought between the QL and PM muscles (Anterior QLB). The location will be confirmed by hydraulic dissection with 5 ml saline injection. After the block location is confirmed, 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (Marcaine®) will be administered.