Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in Nephrectomy: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The quadratus lumborum block is a novel truncal block where local anaesthetic is injected adjacent to the quadratus lumborum muscle. It is used for caesarean sections, hip arthroplasty, gynecologic surgery, colectomy, and recently nephrectomy. To date, there are no reviews that outline the efficacy and performance of the quadratus lumborum blocks in patients receiving laparoscopic nephrectomy. The objective of this project was to outline the current available data from both clinical trials along with case series and reports regarding the methods and utility of quadratus lumborum blocks for analgesia in patients receiving nephrectomy. For this literature review, we searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception until 5/31/2020. Our search terms were as follows: “(nephrectomy OR laparoscopic nephrectomy) AND (QL block OR Quadratus Lumborum block OR QL OR TQL OR Thoracolumbar fascia block).” We analyzed all relevant clinical trials for quality using the Jadad scale. Our search yielded a total of 30 articles, 23 of which we ultimately reviewed for this manuscript. The qualitative sum of these data show that patients receiving quadratus lumborum block for nephrectomies have reduced opioid requirements, reduced pain scores, and improved side-effects relative to other analgesic modalities like epidurals. Based on these findings, we conclude that the quadratus lumborum block is a useful analgesic for patients undergoing nephrectomy.

Introduction

The quadratus lumborum block is a novel truncal block that involves injecting local anesthetic adjacent to the quadratus lumborum muscle.¹ Based on the different injection sites, there are four types of quadratus lumborum block, namely, lateral quadratus lumborum block, posterior quadratus lumborum block, anterior (or transmuscular) quadratus lumborum block, and intramuscular quadratus lumborum block. Blanco et al originally demonstrated the quadratus lumborum block by injecting LA into the interfascial plane at the anterolateral margin of quadratus lumborum muscle (the lateral quadratus lumborum block) under ultrasound guidance. Later, they modified the point of injection into the posterior wall of quadratus lumborum muscle (the posterior quadratus lumborum block) for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery.¹

The quadratus lumborum block is currently used for a number of operations such as cesarean section, hip hemiarthroplasty, inguinal hernia repair, and nephrectomies.² Even as nephrectomies move away from open procedures, laparoscopic cases are still associated with significant pain with some studies showing no difference in pain or opioid demand between the two operations.^3,4 Multiple studies have demonstrated the quadratus lumborum block’s efficacy in reducing opioid requirement and postoperative pain to promote recovery after cesarean section, laparoscopic or laparotomy procedures, and hip surgery.^1,5–8 For abdominal surgery in particular, the quadratus lumborum block is quickly becoming an appealing alternative to epidural as it lacks central neuraxial block side effects,⁹ but the efficacy of quadratus lumborum block as perioperative pain management in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy is unclear.

Quadratus lumborum blocks may be particularly useful in nephrectomy as it lacks the adverse effects associated patient controlled analgesia including nausea, vomiting, sedation, and respiratory depression, as well as side effects of patient controlled epidural analgesia such as pruritus hypotension, and urinary retention associated with epidural analgesia.^10–13 To date, no reviews summarize the utility of quadratus lumborum blocks for nephrectomy patients. Here we will cover types of QLBs in nephrectomy, mechanisms of analgesia, block coverage, role in reducing opioid consumption, efficacy of analgesia, contraindications, and complications.

Methods

For this literature review, we searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception until 5/31/2020. Our search terms were as follows: “(nephrectomy OR laparoscopic nephrectomy) AND (QL block OR Quadratus Lumborum block OR QL OR TQL OR Thoracolumbar fascia block),” which yielded a total of 30 articles, 23 of which we ultimately reviewed for this manuscript. For further information on article selection, see the PRISMA diagram in Appendix 1. In our review, we included observational studies or randomized controlled trial that focused on using a quadratus lumborum block for analgesia after nephrectomy. We made no demographic restrictions. All randomized controlled trials included in the study were evaluated using the Jadad Scale.¹⁴ With the same criteria, we searched Cochrane for ongoing randomized controlled trials but did not include these in our results. We limited all studies to those written in English and on human subjects.

Block Types

The four types of quadratus lumborum blocks are referred to as anterior, lateral, posterior, and intramuscular quadratus lumborum block. In Figure 1, we show a diagram of the relevant anatomy for these three quadratus lumborum blocks. The anterior quadratus lumborum block involves applying local anesthetic between the quadratus lumborum muscle and the psoas major muscle at the level of the L4 transverse process.¹⁵

Figure 1.

The relevant anatomy and needle trajectory (gray line) for the three major types of quadratus lumborum blocks. Image (A) shows the anterior (TQL) QLB block with the needle path coming posterior to anterior. Image (B) shows the lateral (QL1) QLB. Image (C) shows the posterior (QL2) QLB.

Abbreviations: AWM, abdominal wall muscles; QL, quadratus lumborum muscle; PM, psoas muscle; TP, transverse process of L3 vertebrae; L3, vertebral body of L3.

For the lateral quadratus lumborum block local anesthetic is injected on the lateral side of the quadratus lumborum muscle where it contacts the transversalis fascia.¹⁶ It is typically performed via in-plane approach with needle insertion lateral to the ultrasound transducer moving in an anterior-to-posterior trajectory.¹⁶

The posterior quadratus lumborum block involves applying LA on the posterior side of the QLM between the QLM and the middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia, which separates the quadratus lumborum muscle from the paraspinal and latissimus dorsi muscles.^1,16 Like the lateral quadratus lumborum block, this can be performed using an in-plane technique moving from anterior-to-posterior, but it can also be performed with a posterior-to-anterior needle trajectory.²

For the intramuscular quadratus lumborum block, local anesthetic is injected directly into the quadratus lumborum muscle. This block is performed by placing the ultrasound transducer slightly cephalad to the iliac crest and advancing the needle in an anterior trajectory until it penetrates the quadratus lumborum muscle.⁹

Mechanism of Action

Currently, no single mechanism of action provides an explanation for the analgesia of all four quadratus lumborum blocks, and the mechanism for each type of quadratus lumborum block likely varies. Local anesthetic spread along the thoracolumbar fascia and the endothoracic fascia into the paravertebral space may be responsible for some of that analgesia.¹⁵ Evidence for this mechanism, however, is contradictory with one group showing spread from L1-T5 paravertebral spaces following a transversus abdominis plane block with deposition near the lateral border of the quadratus lumborum muscle, which is in opposition to more recent groups that show contrast injected into the quadratus lumborum plane does not spread to the paravertebral space, though this latter study contained only a single fresh cadaver.^17,18 While it is still yet to be proven, Akerman et al state a likely mechanism for visceral analgesia in particular results from spread of local anesthetic to the celiac ganglion of sympathetic trunk via splanchnic nerves.¹⁵

Much work has also been done regarding the mechanism of anterior quadratus lumborum block specifically, with one group showing lateral spread of dye to T11-T12 paravertebral space and no craniocaudal spread when injected at L3 level in fresh cadavers.¹⁹ In contrast, Adhikary et al showed anterior quadratus lumborum block at L3-L4 had no thoracic paravertebral spread.²⁰ Multiple cadaveric studies also support the involvement of roots and upper branches of the lumbar plexus following anterior QLB.^19–22 Debated continues regarding how much spread to thoracic paravertebral spaces has to do with the efficacy of quadratus lumborum blocks, but it appears the vertebral level of the block influences the extent of cranial spread.² A detailed summary of these studies is shown in Table 1.

Table 1.

Studies on the Mechanism of Action for the Quadratus Lumborum Block

Article	N	Approach	Injectate	Primary Findings	Secondary Findings and Commentary
Carline et al46	5	Anterior QLB	20 mL India ink and Latex	Anterior QLB spread to L1-3 nerve roots and within psoas major and QLM	Intramuscular and subcutaneous spread is difficult to interpret
		Lateral QLB
		Posterior QLB
				Lateral QLB spread through TAP, subcutaneous tissue and surrounding muscle
				Posterior QLB spread through TAP, subcutaneous tissue and surrounding muscle
Dam et al21	8	Anterior QLB	30 mL mixture (polymers, acrylates, acrylic esters, alcohols, and latex)	Anterior QLB above diaphragm spread to thoracic paravertebral spaces of T9-10 involving both somatic and sympathetic nerves	No involvement of lumbar plexus, sympathetic trunk, or femoral nerve
				Anterior QLB below the diaphragm spread to subcostal, iliohypogastric, and ilioinguinal nerves
Adhikary et al20	5	Anterior QLB	20 mL methylene blue with iodinated contrast	2 cadavers had spread up to T12 nerve roots	Injectate spread to psoas major muscle and the upper branches of the lumbar plexus. Ilioinguinal nerve involved 100%, iliohypogastric nerve 80%, and subcostal nerve 50% of injections
				3 cadavers had spread to L1 nerve roots
Elsharkawy et al22	6	Anterior Subcostal QLB	30 mL 0.5% methylcellulose and India ink mixture	Anterior subcostal QLB spread from T6-L3 nerve roots	Posterior and QLB both stained T11-L1 nerve roots heavily
		Posterior QLB		Posterior QLB spread from T10-L1 nerve roots
Kumar et al18	1	Anterior QLB and Paravertebral Block	40 mL Contrast	Anterior QLB spared paravertebral space	Single cadaver study with 1 block per side
				Paravertebral block spread from T8-T12 nerve roots
Sondekoppam et al19	5	Anterior QLB	20 mL 0.5% methylcellulose and India ink mixture	Ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and subcostal nerves reliably stained
				Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve staining was inconsistent

Notes: Table 1 summarizes the major papers analyzing the mechanism of action for the quadratus lumborum blocks. All Studies injected both sides of cadavers to increase their power.

Abbreviations: QLB, quadratus lumborum block; QLM, quadratus lumborum muscle; TAP, transversus abdominus plane.

The thoracolumbar fascia also has a possible role in the quadratus lumborum block’s analgesia. It is a complex connective tissue structure formed from aponeuroses and fascia layers, which connect the anterolateral abdominal wall with the lumbar paravertebral region. Much evidence shows that rather than being a passive scaffold, the thoracolumbar fascia has dense sensory structures like A- and C-fiber nociceptors and mechanoreceptors. Blockade of these nociceptors and mechanoreceptors provides another possible mechanism for the quadratus lumborum block’s analgesia.^23,24 Table 2 outlines our proposed criteria for acute pain following nephrectomy as previously outlined by ACTTION-APS-AAPM Pain Taxonomy (AAAPT).^25–29 Figure 2 shows the typical trocar placement for laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Table 2.

AAAPT Criteria for Acute Pain After Nephrectomy

Dimension	Description
1. Core Criteria	A. The patient has undergone nephrectomy with disruption of the lining of the peritoneum.
	B. Pain of some severity (>0/10).
	C. The pain is primarily in the area of the surgery.
	D. Pain onset is immediately following surgery and duration extends to the point of normal healing.
2. Common Features	Typically, a single surgical event. Mean NRS scores for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy range from 4.1 to 5.1 in the early postoperative period.26 Pain from laparoscopic nephrectomy comes from port sites, Pfannenstiel retrieval incision, pneumoperitoneum, and retroperitoneal dissection.27
3. Modulating Factors	Biological: Comorbidities, surgical complications (infection, hematoma, seroma), anesthetic modalities, preexisting pain, BMI, age, genetics, pain sensitivity, previous surgery, exercise. Psychological: Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, expectations. Social: Socioeconomic status, education, access to care, context.
4. Functional Impact	Pain from laparoscopic nephrectomy typically last 72 hours.28 It is worse during the initial 4–12 hours.29 Pain from laparoscopy may delay hospitalization and increase the risk of developing chronic pain.28
5. Putative Mechanisms	Nociceptive pain may be superficial or deep somatic from port and retrieval incisions, as well as visceral from pneumoperitoneum and deep dissection.27 Tissue dissection may also result in neuropathic and inflammatory pain.28

Note: Table 2 outlines our proposed criteria for acute pain following nephrectomy using the criteria set forth by ACTTION-APS-AAPM Pain Taxonomy (AAAPT).

Figure 2.

Two common locations for trocar placement and extraction incisions seen in laparoscopic nephrectomies.

Opioid Reduction in QLB

Three major randomized controlled trials all present findings consistent with reduced opioid consumption in patients receiving nephrectomy.^30–32 Zhu et al, in a single-center randomized controlled trial of 60 patients, showed 24-hour sufentanil after surgery was 34.1 [9.9] µg, compared to 42.1 [11.6] µg in the control group (p=0.006).³⁰ A second group showed cumulative morphine requirements in nephrectomy patients with QLB was 120mg compared to 125mg in the epidural group (p=0.703). They also reported no difference in time to morphine initiation representing similar postoperative opioid reduction compared to epidurals.³¹ Rahendra et al showed comparable results with their QLB group having 0 mg requirements at 2 hours, and 1 mg on average for the 6, 12, and 24 hours timepoints. Their epidural control group had equivalent requirements.³² The cumulative data show that QLBs reduce opioid use in patients receiving laparoscopic nephrectomy. These studies are shown in Table 3.

Table 3.

Randomized Controlled Trials with Quadratus Lumborum Blocks and Nephrectomy

Article	Year	N	Surgery	Quadratus Lumborum Block	Control	Injectate	Primary Outcome	Results
Aditianingsih et al31	2019	62	Left Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy with Pfannenstiel incision	Bilateral Anterior QLB	Continuous epidural 6mL·hr−1 0.25% bupivacaine during surgery, then 0.125% 6mL·hr−1 postop	0.3–0.4mL·Kg−1 0.25% bupivacaine single shot max volume 25mL	Cumulative 24-hour morphine requirements and NRS pain score.	NRS Pain Scores and cumulative 24-hour morphine use were Equivalent.
Zhu et al30	2019	60	laparoscopic nephrectomy	Transmuscular QLB	Saline block	0.4mL·Kg−1 0.3% ropivacaine	Sufentanil PCA consumption	Sufentanil lower in QLB group compared to Control
Rahendra et al32	2019	62	Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy	Bilateral Anterior QLB preop and postop	Continuous epidural 6mL·hr−1 0.25% during surgery at T11-12 advanced 4–6cm. Post op they got 0.125% at 6 mL·hr−1	bilateral QL block with 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% both preop and postop	IL-6 and CRP measurement	No difference between IL-6 or CRP levels

Note: Table 3 shows a summary of currently completed randomized controlled trials where quadratus lumborum blocks were used in patients receiving nephrectomy with the details surrounding their design and results.

Abbreviation: QLB, quadratus lumborum block.

Pain Control Nephrectomy with QLB

Aditianingsih et al measured numeric rating scale (NRS) for patients with either bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block or continuous epidural analgesia. They found no difference in static or dynamic NRS scores at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours post-operatively.³¹ Rahendra et al performed a lateral quadratus lumborum block or continuous epidural on 62 patients total and showed comparable results: Immediate post-op, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours showed no difference in static or dynamic NRS scores.³² While Zhu et al did not measure NRS scores in their study, they demonstrated improved Bruggemann comfort scale scores at 6 and 12 hours for patients in the quadratus lumborum block compared to saline controls, but they found no difference at the 24-hour timepoint. They also showed the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia was lower in the quadratus lumborum block group compared to saline controls.³³ The case reports and series reviewed in this paper uniformly reported excellent analgesic control following quadratus lumborum block for a variety of different nephrectomy types.^34–41 These case studies can be seen in more detail in Table 4. Like with opioid reduction, the randomized controlled trials along with observational studies show the quadratus lumborum blocks are successful in controlling postoperative pain in patients receiving laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Table 4.

Case Series and Reports with Quadratus Lumborum Blocks and Nephrectomy

Article	N	Surgery	Timing/Indication	Quadratus Lumborum Block	Injectate	Results
Graca et al34	1	Partial nephrectomy	Postoperative	Posterior	Bolus: 20mL 0.2% ropivacaine infusion: 5.2mL·hr−1 0.2% ropivacaine for 48 hours	Excellent analgesia
Gurkan et al35	1	Open nephrectomy and cholecystectomy	Perioperative	Anterior	Bolus: 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine	VAS 0 at 24 hours. Total morphine demand 13 mg.
Sindwani et al36	1	Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for Von Hipple Lindau Renal Cell Carcinoma	Perioperative	Anterior Infusion on operative side Anterior bolus on non-operative side	Bolus: 0.2% ropivacaine 20 mL	Excellent analgesia without opioids; Block coverage T7-L2
					Infusion: 0.2% ropivacaine at 5mL·hr−1 for 48 hours
Ueshima et al37	2	Radical nephrectomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy	Postoperative	Anterior subcostal	Bolus: 20mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine	Excellent analgesia without opioids
					Infusion: intermittent bolus of 15mL 0.1% levobupivacaine
Suri et al38	6	Open radical nephrectomy	Postoperative	Lateral visualized by surgeon (Laparoscopic-guided)	Bolus: 20mL 0.2% ropivacaine Infusion: 0.2% infusion 0.5 mL·hr−1	Good analgesia with only 100mg tramadol BID in all patients; Block coverage T7-L2
Sindwani et al39	5	Laparoscopic nephrectomy	Postoperative	Lateral visualized by surgeon (Laparoscopic-guided)	Bolus: 20mL 0.2% ropivacaine	Excellent analgesia without opioids
					Infusion: 0.2% infusion 0.5mL·hr−
Chakraborty et al34,40	1	Pediatric radical nephrectomy	Postoperative	Anterior	Bolus: 5mL 0.375% levobupivacaine	Good analgesia with no opioids; Block coverage T7-L2
					Infusion: 0.1% levobupivacaine 5mL·hr−
Waruswitharana et al41	9	Open nephrectomy with 2 incisions.	Perioperative	Transmuscular	Partial nephrectomy: 100mg levobupivacaine (ipsilateral only)	Mean 48-hour morphine consumption 62mg
					Radical nephrectomy: 150mg levobupivacaine (bilateral)

Notes: Table 4 offers a summary of the available case reports and case series for patients who have received quadratus lumborum block as an analgesic for nephrectomy.

Secondary Outcomes

Aditianingsih et al reported no difference in intraoperative mean arterial pressure, heart rate, or cardiac index between their quadratus lumborum block and continuous epidural group. However, 24 hours postoperatively, the continuous epidural had a significantly lower mean arterial pressure at 72.26 compared to the quadratus lumborum block group at 83.33.³¹ Zhu et al showed quadratus lumborum block patients had a mean arterial pressure of 104 and 101 mmHg at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively compared to Saline Controls which had post-operative mean arterial pressure of 113 and 102 at 12 and 24 hours.³⁰ This outcome may represent better control of post-operative pain and sympathetic tone.

Aditianingsih et al also show that most patients with an anterior quadratus lumborum block had loss of sensation from T9-L2 compared to the epidural group that was T8-L2.³¹ Zhu et al, performing a subcostal transmuscular quadratus lumborum block, showed sensory blockade from T4-L1.³⁰ Additionally, a case series of 6 patients receiving anterior quadratus lumborum block showed coverage from T5-L1 in 3 patients and T6-L1 in 3 patients,³⁸ indicating some variation in coverage between individual practitioners and between block types but reliable coverage from T7-L1. Zhu et al showed the quadratus lumborum block group had a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to saline controls.³³ Aditianingsih et al also showed quadratus lumborum block group compared to epidural controls had a similar incidence of PONV³¹ Zhu et al also demonstrated earlier return of intestinal function and earlier mobilization in the quadratus lumborum block group compared to saline control.³³ Finally, Aditianingsih et al showed a shorter duration of urinary catheter use compared to the epidural group.³¹ The combination of these improved secondary outcomes provides a compelling argument for the routine use of quadratus lumborum blocks over epidurals for postoperative pain control in nephrectomy.

Contraindications and Complications

Absolute contraindications are few and are like contraindications for other peripheral nerve blocks including local infection, true allergy to LAs, a bleeding diathesis, and patient refusal. Complications from the quadratus lumborum blocks also parallel those seen in other peripheral nerve blocks. Spread to the lumbar plexus may cause prolonged motor blockade and result in delayed mobilization and discharge. Hypotension has been reported in QLBs and likely results from paravertebral spread of local anesthetic.⁴² Local anesthetic toxicity is possible given the relatively large dose and highly vascular area.^43,44

The anterior block in particular has potential risk for needle trauma to kidney, liver, and pleura.^22,45 Given that the quadratus lumborum block is a deep block, there is risk for hematoma development and retroperitoneal spread. The posterior and lateral blocks share a fascial plane with the abdominal branches of the lumbar arteries making hemorrhage possible, but this has not been demonstrated in the literature. Because it is an intramuscular block, risk of infection is likely lower than neuraxial blocks, but this has yet to be studied.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

There are currently 28 clinical trials registered in the Cochrane database involving the use of quadratus lumborum blocks for analgesia in nephrectomy patients. Common trials compare quadratus lumborum block to epidural analgesia in nephrectomy, quadratus lumborum block to transversus abdominis plane block in nephrectomy, or quadratus lumborum block to erector spinae block. Finally, several trials are comparing the inflammatory response to nephrectomy in patients with and without quadratus lumborum block. Another interesting trial is currently comparing volume and concentration of local anesthetic in quadratus lumborum blocks. In our institution, there is an ongoing trial looking at utility and benefit of injection of liposomal bupivacaine in transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for donor nephrectomy patients. As these trials end, we will have more information regarding the efficacy and ideal use of the quadratus lumborum block in nephrectomy. There is still a lack of information regarding quadratus lumborum block effectiveness in pediatric nephrectomy, which of the quadratus lumborum blocks is most effective in nephrectomy, and how effective quadratus lumborum block is in treating visceral pain.

Conclusion

Although the studies surrounding quadratus lumborum block in nephrectomy are still ongoing, the existing data support using quadratus lumborum blocks for postoperative pain control and opioid reduction in patients receiving open or laparoscopic nephrectomy. Compared to epidural analgesia, quadratus lumborum blocks appear to provide equivalent analgesia with less hemodynamic compromise, and less postoperative nausea and vomiting, with a shorter duration of urinary catheterization analgesia, time to mobilization and return of bowel function.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.