Clinical Research Directory

With the patient in the lateral decubitus position, an 8-12 Hz linear ultrasound (US) probe is placed transversely over the iliac crest. The external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TA) muscles are identified so that the abdominal muscles are in the field of view. The TA muscle is then advanced posteriorly until it tapers to the thoracolumbar fascia with its aponeurosis adjacent to the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle. The 22 gauge block needle is advanced in plane with the US probe. After placing the needle tip in the virtual triangular plane between the posterior edge of the TA muscle, the QL and the underlying transversalis fascia, 4 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine + 2 mL of a total of 8 mg dexamethasone + 4 mL of saline are injected for a total volume of 10 mL.

With the patient in the supine position, an 8-12 Hz linear ultrasound (US) probe is placed medial and cephalal to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), transversely between the ASIS and the umbilicus. The external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TA) muscles are identified so that the abdominal muscles are in the field of view. The II-IH nerves are hyperechogenic in the fascial plane between the IO and TA muscles. A 22 gauge block needle is advanced in plane with the US probe. When the needle tip is advanced to the II and IH nerves, 4 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine + 2 mL total 8 mg dexamethasone + 4 mL saline is injected for a total volume of 10 mL.