The Quadratus Lumborum Block in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Effective pain management is crucial in pediatric gastrointestinal surgeries due to the significant postoperative pain response. The adverse effects of opioids have prompted a shift toward other often multimodal approaches. Regional anesthesia plays an important role in reducing opioid use. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB), first introduced in 2007, has gained increasing interest for its potential in pediatric analgesia. It now includes four distinct approaches based on the site of injection. As evidence on QLB continues to expand, a scoping review is warranted to map the current literature and identify gaps in its clinical application within pediatric gastrointestinal surgery.

The planned review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A systematic search will be performed across major peer-reviewed databases, with additional examination of reference lists and citations. Original studies of any design examining the application of the QLB in pediatric gastrointestinal surgeries will be included. Data charting will contain study characteristics, participant demographics, details of the QLB technique, surgical variables, and reported outcomes.

The findings from the included studies will be reported through a narrative summary, supported by descriptive analysis of quantitative data if suitable.

This scoping review will provide an overview of the current evidence on the use of QLB in pediatric gastrointestinal surgeries, identifying key insights and evidence gaps to inspire future research areas.