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NCT Number: NCT07166250

Comparison of the Effects of Quadratus Lumborum Block and Retrolaminar Block on Postoperative Pain in Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and retrolaminar block (RLB) in patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. Both regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly used for postoperative pain management, but there is limited evidence directly comparing their effectiveness. The primary outcome is the postoperative pain score, while secondary outcomes include opioid consumption and patient satisfaction.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Lumbar Disc Herniation Bone Diseases Hernia Intervertebral Disc Displacement Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Postoperative Pain Signs and Symptoms Spinal Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Kocaeli University Hospital

Kocaeli, 41000, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Effective postoperative pain management is essential in patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. Regional anesthesia techniques, such as quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and retrolaminar block (RLB), have been increasingly used as alternatives or adjuncts to systemic analgesics. QLB provides analgesia by targeting the thoracolumbar fascia and spreading to the paravertebral space, whereas RLB is considered a simpler and potentially safer approach with similar analgesic potential.

This randomized controlled clinical trial is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of QLB and RLB for postoperative pain control. Adult patients scheduled for elective lumbar disc herniation surgery under general anesthesia will be randomized into two groups. One group will receive ultrasound-guided QLB, and the other group will receive ultrasound-guided RLB before surgical incision.

The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) at multiple time intervals within the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include total opioid consumption, time to first analgesic request, incidence of block-related complications, and overall patient satisfaction. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence for the optimal regional technique for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spine surgery.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients aged 18-65 years American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II-III Scheduled for elective lumbar disc herniation surgery under general anesthesia Willing to participate and provide written informed consent Patients scheduled for elective lumbar disc herniation surgery

Exclusion criteria

Patients requiring emergency surgery ASA physical status classification IV-V Known coagulopathy Ongoing anticoagulant therapy History of allergy to local anesthetics Localized infection at the block injection site Presence of spinal, paraspinal, or regional deformities at the block area Inability to understand or use the verbal pain rating scale Chronic use of analgesic medications

Treatment and study plan

quadratus lumborum block

Procedure

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block performed preoperatively using local anesthetic injection at the thoracolumbar fascia for postoperative analgesia in lumbar disc herniation surgery.

retrolaminar block

Procedure

Ultrasound-guided retrolaminar block performed preoperatively using local anesthetic injection into the retrolaminar space for postoperative analgesia in lumbar disc herniation surgery

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative pain intensity (NRS score)

    Time frame: Within the first 24 hours after surgery

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (0-10) at rest and during movement.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Total opioid consumption

    Time frame: 24 hours after surgery

    Total amount of opioid analgesics (morphine equivalent) administered in the first 24 hours postoperatively.

  2. Time to first analgesic request

    Time frame: 24 hours after surgery

    Time interval between the end of surgery and the first request for additional analgesia.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kocaeli University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 10, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 10, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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