Objective This paper investigates the efficacy of ultrasound‑guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing renal transplantation. Methods Fifty end‑stage renal disease patients, aged 18‒64 years, weighing 45‒80 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Ⅲ, scheduled for kidney transplantation, were divided into 2 groups according to random number table method (n=25 each): group QLB and routine analgesia control group (group C). Ultrasound‑guided QLB was performed on the side of operation with 0.375% ropivacaine 30 ml in group QLB after induction, while no block was performed in group C. All the patients received patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil after operation while Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at rest were maintained equal or lesser than 3. The total sufentanil consumption, the effective pressing times of PCIA and number of patients requiring rescue analgesic medication within 48 h after surgery were recorded. VAS scores at rest and Ramsay scores were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression within 48 h after operation as well as QLB‑related complications in QLB group were recorded. Results Compared with group C, the total consumption of sufentanil and the effective pressing times of PCIA was decreased after surgery in group QLB (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the times of requiring rescue analgesic medication between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in VAS scores and Ramsay scores at different time points after surgery (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus and respiratory depression between the two groups (P>0.05). QLB‑related complications were not found in group QLB. Conclusions Ultrasound‑guided QLB can not only provides safe analgesia without additional complications, but also reduce postoperative opioid consumption in renal transplant recipients.