The purpose of this study is to learn if using a Quadratus Lumborum (QL) plane injection technique (also called a "nerve block") that numbs the nerves going to the abdominal area improve pain control after surgery compared to administration of local anesthetic directly to the surgical incision. The QL block technique uses a numbing solution (local anesthetics) that is injected next to nerves located along muscles in the back to reduce pain. This block will not affect movement in the leg and/or make the legs weak. Some institutions, including Duke, use the QL block for patients having various abdominal surgeries, with the hope of providing good pain relief combined with improved mobility after surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* English speaking
* ASA 1-2 patients undergoing living donor nephrectomy
Exclusion Criteria:
* ASA 3 or 5
* Diagnosis of chronic pain
* Daily chronic opioid use (over 3 months of continuous opioid use)
* Inability to communicate pain scores or need for analgesia
* Infection at the site of block placement
* Pregnant women (as determined by standard of care day-of surgery urine bHCG)
* Intolerance/allergy to local anesthetics
* Weight \<50 kg
* Suspected or known addiction to or abuse of illicit drug(s), prescription medicine(s), or alcohol within the past 2 years
* Uncontrolled anxiety, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorder that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with study assessments or compliance
* Current or historical evidence of any clinically significant disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may increase the risk of surgery or complicate the subject's postoperative course
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Opioid Consumption in Oral Morphine Milliequivalents for the First 24 Hours After Surgery (Defined as 24 Hours After the Anesthesia End Time)