Comparison of ESP and QL Blocks for Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Appendectomy (ESP-QLB)
Trial Parameters
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
Brief Summary
This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the analgesic effectiveness of the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block and the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) block in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy. Both regional anesthesia techniques have been shown to reduce opioid requirements and improve postoperative recovery in children; however, there is limited evidence directly comparing their efficacy. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an ESP or a QL block in addition to standard general anesthesia before surgical incision. Postoperative outcomes will include pain scores, total opioid consumption, time to first analgesic requirement, mobilization time, parental satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications and block performance time. The findings are expected to guide clinicians in selecting the most effective regional anesthesia technique for postoperative pain control in pediatric appendectomy.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 3-13 years * Diagnosis of acute appendicitis requiring appendectomy * ASA physical status I-II * Planned general anesthesia with intraoperative regional block (ESP or QL block) * Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal of regional block by family or anesthesia team * Coagulopathy or anticoagulant medication use * Local infection at the block injection site * Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics * Neurological or neuromuscular disorders * Cognitive impairment preventing postoperative pain assessment * Conversion to open surgery * Intraoperative complications requiring deviation from study protocol