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Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB)
A regional anesthesia technique that blocks nerve signals in the quadratus lumborum muscle region to provide pain relief for abdominal and flank procedures.
A regional anesthesia technique that blocks nerve signals in the quadratus lumborum muscle region to provide pain relief for abdominal and flank procedures. Used for Perioperative analgesia for abdominal and flank surgery, Postoperative pain management, Chronic pain conditions affecting the lower abdomen and flank.
At a glance
| Generic name | Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | bolus, bupivacaine, epinephrine, aliquots, liposomal bupivacaine |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia/Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The QLB is a peripheral nerve block procedure that delivers local anesthetic to the plane between the quadratus lumborum muscle and the adjacent fascia, blocking sensory innervation to the lower abdomen, flank, and lower back. This technique provides analgesia for surgical procedures and postoperative pain management without systemic effects of general anesthesia.
Approved indications
- Perioperative analgesia for abdominal and flank surgery
- Postoperative pain management
- Chronic pain conditions affecting the lower abdomen and flank
Common side effects
- Local anesthetic toxicity
- Nerve injury
- Vascular puncture
- Peritoneal puncture
Key clinical trials
- Anterior QLB for PCNL (NA)
- Analgesic Comparison of Transversus Fascial Plane and Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in Pediatric Urogenital Procedures (NA)
- Erector Spinae Plane Versus Quadratus Lumborum Blocks for Pain Management After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (NA)
- Effect of the Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus the Lumbar Plexus for Spiral Thighplasty Surgery (NA)
- Comparison of Posterior QLB and QIPB in Pediatric Undescended Testis Surgery. (NA)
- Ultrasound Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block, Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block, and Local Anesthetic Infiltration for Lumbar Spine Fixation (NA)
- Pain Relief Comparison: Pericapsular Nerve Group Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Positioning in Femur Fracture Surgery (NA)
- TFPB vs QLB III in Infra-umbilical Pediatric Surgeries (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Alabama at Birmingham portfolio CI