Case study: Abdominal wall blocks

Abdominal wall blocks can be truly life-saving. Our team at NYSORA-EUROPE Center in ZOL, Genk, Belgium, witnessed several clinical scenarios where abdominal wall blocks made a difference and allowed extubation and weaning off mechanical ventilation after abdominal surgery, particularly with abdominal surgery involving infra-umbilical incisions. These blocks should be repeated every 12 hours for sustained benefit. 

There is a lot of discussion on the differences between the transversus abdominis plane (TAP), quadratus lumborum (QL), and several of the QL variants. However, we do not think there is any meaningful clinical difference for the aforementioned indication at our headquarters. 

Likewise, while catheters can be used, they present significant complexity. They require multiple pumps, management, expense, etc. This is where delayed-release local anesthetic solutions can be helpful (e.g., liposome bupivacaine).

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