Retrolaminar Block Improves Postoperative Gastrointestinal System Functions:

Rapid recovery of postoperative bowel function is one of the important goals of accelerated recovery after surgery (ERAS protocols). Gastrointestinal dysfunctions may occur after general anaesthesia. All these lead to a series of adverse outcomes including prolonged hospital stay, high treatment costs and deterioration of patient comfort. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the treatment of choice for sizable and intricate kidney stones. Providing effective postoperative pain control is important in preventing respiratory and thromboembolic complications and ensuring patient comfort as well as shortening the hospital stay. The application of USG-guided nerve blocks for analgesia reduces intraoperative opioid use and provides early recovery of postoperative GI dysfunctions. Retrolaminar block (RLB), have been shown to reduce perioperative opioid consumption. Nerve blocks may relieve inflammation-related gastrointestinal dysfunctions by attenuating postoperative inflammatory responses. This study aimed to determine the effects of USG-guided retrolaminar block on the postoperative gastrointestinal system in patients undergoing PNL.