Retrospective Analysis of Different Quadratus Lumborum Block Techniques on Recovery Quality and Analgesic Consumption in Radical Cystectomy Patients

Postoperative pain management plays a crucial role in optimizing recovery after radical cystectomy, as inadequate pain control can lead to increased opioid consumption and delayed rehabilitation. This retrospective observational study examines the effects of two different Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) techniques-anterior and posterior approaches-on postoperative pain and opioid consumption. The study includes patients who underwent radical cystectomy under general anesthesia at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Hospital between October 15, 2023, and October 15, 2024. The primary focus is to compare total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) within the first 24 hours after surgery between the two groups. Secondary outcomes include: * Pain scores at multiple time points (0, 2, 6, 12, 24 hours), measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Postoperative recovery quality scores (QoR-15) * Time to first rescue analgesic administration * Frequency of rescue analgesic use * Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) Data will be collected from intraoperative and postoperative patient records. Statistical analysis will compare anterior vs. posterior QLB techniques, evaluating differences in postoperative opioid consumption, pain relief efficacy, and recovery quality (QoR-15 scores). This study aims to provide evidence-based insights into the use of regional anesthesia techniques for radical cystectomy patients, supporting the refinement of multimodal analgesia strategies to optimize pain management and minimize opioid exposure.