Effect of Rectus Sheath Block on Postoperative Quality of Recovery After Transabdominal Midline Gynecological Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Rectus sheath block is an emerging technique that provide effective perioperative analgesia and is related to lower perioperative opioid consumption and decrease opioid-related adverse effects. The present research is designed to explore the effect of rectus sheath block on recovery quality in patients following transabdominal midline gynecological surgery.

Methods: Ninety female patients following elective transabdominal midline gynecological surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomized to group R (n = 45) which receive preoperative ultrasound-guided RSB with 0.4% ropivacaine or group C which is control group (n = 45). The primary outcome was the quality of recovery on the first postoperative day. The quality of recovery was assessed by the 40-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire (QoR-40). Secondary outcomes included the intraoperative opioid consumption, time to first flatus and time to first discharging from bed, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction.

Results: The patients in two groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Postoperative global QoR-40 scores were significantly better in group R than in group C (165.0[159.5-170.0] vs 155.0[150.0-157.0], respectively; median difference 12[95% confidence interval: 8-15, P<0.001]). Preoperative RSB reduced intraoperative opioid consumption, reduced the time to first flatus, time to first discharging from bed and the post anaesthesia care unit discharge time. Furthermore, group R showed greater patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: A single preoperative administration of RSB with ropivacaine improved the quality of recovery in patients following transabdominal midline gynecological surgery.