Potential Advantages of Wireless Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Pain Control Post-Abdominoplasty

Abstract

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a relatively new technique used to provide analgesia to the anterolateral abdominal wall following abdominal procedures. Transversus abdominis plane blocks can be performed using a blind/landmark technique or with ultrasound guidance. We report a 49-year-old woman who received a successful wireless ultrasound-guided TAP block during an abdominoplasty. Our case illustrates the potential advantages of a wireless ultrasound-guided TAP block versus a landmark-guided TAP block during an abdominoplasty. It also serves to promote the use of wireless ultrasound imaging when performing a TAP block to minimize risks of the procedure and achieve better pain control postoperatively. Further studies are needed to confirm the added value that ultrasound provides.