Outcome of Ultrasound Guided Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block After Video Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy revolutionizing digital and robotic technology for surgical practice. The ability of anesthetic agents and neuronal blockade to modify the response to surgical trauma has been widely studied in the last few years.

OBJECTIVES: evaluate if Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block contributes to attenuate surgical repercussions, having as primary parameters analgesia and secondary the pulmonary function and neuroendocrine response to trauma.

METHODS: prospective, controlled, Double-blind study, in which 51 patients scheduled for eletive laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected and distributed into 2 groups. Control group received general anesthesia, and the intervention group was submitted to general anesthesia plus Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block. The parameters evaluated were: postoperative pain, respiratory muscle pressure, and inflammatory response to surgical stress with the plasma dosage of Interleukin 6, C-Reactive protein and cortisol. The following situations were excluded: refusal to participate in the study; body mass index greater than or equal to 40, peripheral neuropathies, coagulopathies or hypersensitivity to drugs used; infection at the puncture site; fever, purities; dementia or other states that would prevent the adequate understanding of the use of the numeric-verbal scale of pain; immunological diseases, diabetes, malignant neoplasia, use of opioids or anti-inflammatory drugs in the preoperative period; antidepressants and anticonvulsants, conversion open surgery, re-exploration and hospital stay.

RESULTS: Slowed Interleukin 6 cytokine production and decrease in cortisol release, accompanied by significant attenuation of surgical repercussion on lung function and significant reduction in postoperative pain scores and consumption of pain medication.

CONCLUSION: An important strategy for analgesia in abdominal laparoscopic surgery.