Effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after caesarean section: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) for postoperative analgesia after caesarean section. Methods We searched the PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane library, for all randomized controlled trials about the efficacy of TAPB. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the method recommended by Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analysis was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.2 software. Results We identified 12 randomized controlled trials finally. In these studies, there were 663 patients in total, of whom 342 patients received TAPB, 321 patients were in the control group. TAPB was found to reduce morphine consumption at 24 h[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-22.78, 95% confidence interval(CI):-24.49--21.07, P<0.05] and VAS scores with activity at 12 h(WMD=-0.61, 95%CI:-1.13--0.09, P<0.05) and TAPB prolonged the time to the first request for analgesic(WMD=148.22, 95% CI: 86.57-209.86, P<0.05). In addition, TAPB was found to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting(OR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.12-0.44, P<0.05) and sedation(OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.12-0.67, P<0.05). Conclusions TAPB may be a better alternative analgesia technology for the patients who underwent caesarean section. Key words: Caesarean section; Transversus abdominis plane block; Analgesia; Meta-analysia