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Quadratus Lumborum (QL) Block
A QL block is a regional anesthesia technique that delivers local anesthetic to the quadratus lumborum muscle plane to block pain signals from the lower abdomen and flank.
A QL block is a regional anesthesia technique that delivers local anesthetic to the quadratus lumborum muscle plane to block pain signals from the lower abdomen and flank. Used for Perioperative analgesia for abdominal and flank surgery, Postoperative pain management for lower abdominal procedures.
At a glance
| Generic name | Quadratus Lumborum (QL) Block |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | George Washington University |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia/Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The quadratus lumborum block targets the thoracolumbar fascia and muscle plane, anesthetizing branches of the spinal nerves that supply the lower abdominal wall, flank, and lower back. This regional anesthesia approach provides perioperative pain relief and reduces the need for systemic opioids. It is a procedural intervention rather than a pharmaceutical drug.
Approved indications
- Perioperative analgesia for abdominal and flank surgery
- Postoperative pain management for lower abdominal procedures
Common side effects
- Local anesthetic toxicity
- Nerve injury
- Vascular puncture
- Peritoneal puncture
Key clinical trials
- Effect of the Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus the Lumbar Plexus for Spiral Thighplasty Surgery (NA)
- Comparison of Caudal and Quadratus Lumborum Blocks With Pain Monitoring in Children
- Repeat or Single Quadratus Lumborum Block for the Reduction of Opioid Prescriptions After Surgery in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Patients ("RESQU-SARC" Trial) (PHASE2)
- Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block (NA)
- Erector Spınae Plane Block and Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block In Kıdney Transplantatıon (NA)
- Comparison of Quadratus Lumborum and Combined Groin Nerve Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair. (PHASE3)
- Comparison of ESP and QL Blocks for Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Appendectomy (ESP-QLB) (NA)
- Postoperative Pain Management Following Robotic Assisted Sacrocolpopexy (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 (QL) Block CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Quadratus Lumborum (QL) Block updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- George Washington University portfolio CI