Retrolaminar Plane Block Versus Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block in Pediatric Urogenital Surgery

Effective control of postoperative pain following pediatric lower urogenital surgery is important for enhancing recovery and reducing opioid requirements. Anterior quadratus lumborum block and retrolaminar block are two ultrasound-guided truncal block techniques used for perioperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgery. However, direct comparisons of their analgesic efficacy in pediatric lower urogenital procedures remain limited.

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial will enroll 76 pediatric patients aged 6 months to 12 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III who are scheduled for elective lower urogenital surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an anterior quadratus lumborum block or a retrolaminar block. Both techniques will be performed under ultrasound guidance in addition to standardized general anesthesia.

The primary outcome will be rescue analgesic requirement during the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores, time to first rescue analgesic administration, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, and caregiver satisfaction. The study aims to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of anterior quadratus lumborum block and retrolaminar block in pediatric patients undergoing lower urogenital surgery.