Quadratus Lumborum Versus Placebo in Open Ventral Hernia Repair

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Apr 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a specific pain management technique called a Quadratus Lumborum (QL) block can help reduce the amount of opioid pain medication needed after ventral hernia surgery compared to a placebo, which is a substance that doesn't contain any active medication. The goal is to see if using this technique not only helps with pain relief in the first 24 hours after surgery but also supports a better recovery overall.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be at least 18 years old, able to understand the study procedures, and willing to sign a consent form. They must be undergoing elective open surgery for a ventral hernia and will receive a mesh implant during the procedure. Participants will complete a questionnaire before the surgery and another one at a follow-up visit about 30 days later. Additionally, they'll keep a pain diary for the first day after surgery, and the study will collect information about pain levels, medications used, hospital stay, and any complications. This research aims to improve pain management and recovery for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. \>18 years of age
• • 2. Able to read and understand study procedures
• • 3. Willing to participate and sign an informed consent form
• • 4. Open approaches to ventral hernia repair
• • 5. Clean (CDC Class I), clean-contaminated (CDC Class II)
• • 6. Elective surgery
• • 7. Mesh placed in the retromuscular position
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Dirty-Infected cases (CDC Class IV): Old traumatic wounds with retained devitalized tissue and those that involve existing clinical infection or perforated viscera
• • 2. Patient has a contraindication to receiving the drug and/or procedure: allergy/sensitivity to the drug, coagulopathy, abdominal wall infection at the drug administration site, systemic infection, anatomical distortion, neuropathy
• • 3. Emergent procedure
• • 4. Mesh not placed