Unexpected motor weakness following quadratus lumborum block for gynaecological laparoscopy

We present a patient with unilateral hip flexion and knee extension weakness leading to unplanned overnight admission following lateral quadratus lumborum block with 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.25%. The L2 dermatomal sensory loss and hip flexion weakness suggested spread to either the L2 paravertebral space or to the lumbar plexus, causing weakness of the psoas and iliacus muscles and possibly the quadriceps. The duration of motor block was approximately 18 h. This complication should be considered when performing the block, especially in the setting of day‐case surgery.
Source: Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research