Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided TAP Block with the Standard PostOperative Analgesic Regimen, In Providing Post-Operative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomies

Abstract

Introduction: A recent development in the treatment of post-operative pain is the use of peripheral nerve blocks. The technique involves blocking the conduction of nerve impulses by deposition of local anaesthetic around the nerve or nerves supplying the area of interest. Consequently, the sensory and/ or motor supply to the area supplied by the nerves, are effectively abolished, thus helping to achieve anaesthesia and analgesia. Methodology: The patients were selected by convenience sampling and those who matched the selection criterion, were briefed about the nature of the study and the procedures involved, in a language understood by them and written informed consent was taken. Descriptive data of the patient such as name, age, sex and detailed medical history, was collected. They were randomized into two groups with the help of computerized randomization software. Results: In our study it was noted that the mean total rescue analgesic consumption in patients belonging to Group S (over a period of 24 hours) was 73.3 mg. Whereas the mean total rescue analgesic consumption in Group T was only 35 mg. This difference in the mean total rescue analgesic consumption between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients in both Group T and Group S experienced some degree of nausea at the 2, 4 and 6 hour intervals, but the PONV scores of both the groups were comparable. Thereafter, patients in both the groups were asymptomatic.