SummaryQuadratus lumborum block has recently been described as an effective and long-lasting analgesic strategy for various abdominal operations, including gynaecological laparoscopy. Despite evidence that the analgesic effect is mediated by indirect paravertebral block and that local anaesthetic spreads to the lumbar paravertebral space, there have been no reports to date of lower limb motor weakness. 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.
Summary
To better understand outcomes in postpartum patients who receive peripartum anaesthetic interventions, we aimed to assess quality of recovery metrics following childbirth in a UK‐based multicentre cohort study. This study was performed during a 2‐week period in October 2021 to assess in‐ and outpatient post‐delivery recovery at 1 and 30 days postpartum. The following outcomes were reported: obstetric quality of recovery 10‐item measure (ObsQoR‐10); EuroQoL (EQ‐5D‐5L) survey; global health visual analogue scale; postpartum pain scores at rest and movement; length of hospital stay; readmission rates; and self‐reported complications. In total, 1638 patients were recruited and responses analysed from 1631 (99.6%) and 1282 patients (80%) at one and 30 days postpartum, respectively. Median (IQR [range]) length of stay postpartum was 39.3 (28.5–61.0 [17.7–513.4]), 40.3 (28.5–59.1 [17.8–220.9]), and 35.9 (27.1–54.1 [17.9–188.4]) h following caesarean, instrumental and vaginal deliveries, respectively. Median (IQR [range]) ObsQoR‐10 score was 75 ([62–86] 4–100) on day 1, with the lowest ObsQoR‐10 scores (worst recovery) reported by patients undergoing caesarean delivery. Of the 1282 patients, complications within the first 30 days postpartum were reported by 252 (19.7%) of all patients. Readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge occurred in 69 patients (5.4%), with 49 (3%) for maternal reasons. These data can be used to inform patients regarding expected recovery trajectories; facilitate optimal discharge planning; and identify populations that may benefit most from targeted interventions to improve postpartum recovery experience.
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