Comparison of ESP and QL Blocks for Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Appendectomy (ESP-QLB)

This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the analgesic effectiveness of the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block and the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) block in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy. Both regional anesthesia techniques have been shown to reduce opioid requirements and improve postoperative recovery in children; however, there is limited evidence directly comparing their efficacy. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an ESP or a QL block in addition to standard general anesthesia before surgical incision. Postoperative outcomes will include pain scores, total opioid consumption, time to first analgesic requirement, mobilization time, parental satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications and block performance time. The findings are expected to guide clinicians in selecting the most effective regional anesthesia technique for postoperative pain control in pediatric appendectomy.