Kadam VR, Ludbrook G, van Wijk RM, et al. - Among 82 patients (18–85 years of age) scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery, researchers compared those randomized to transmuscular quadratus lumborum block vs those who received pre-peritoneal catheter block. They used a numerical rating score (0–10) to evaluate postoperative pain score on coughing, which was the primary endpoint. They also evaluated pain score at rest, fentanyl usage until 48 h postoperation, satisfaction scores and expenses. With regard to pain score on coughing, no treatment difference was found between the two groups. Numerical rating score at rest and satisfaction scores on days 1 and 30 attenuated in the transmuscular quadratus lumborum group, but fentanyl usage was similar. The highest blocks seen in the recovery area were T4 and the lowest blocks were L1 in the transmuscular quadratus lumborum group. Compared with the preperitoneal catheter technique, a greater expense of 574.64 Australian dollars per patient was incurred by the transmuscular quadratus lumborum technique.