Transversus abdominis plane block: A multimodal analgesia technique – Our experience

Abstract

Context: A retrospective observational study conducted to assess transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block as a tool for providing multimodal analgesia postoperatively for abdominal surgeries. Aims: The aim is to compare the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain and the requirement of rescue analgesia postoperatively in patients undergoing various abdominal surgeries (open and laparoscopic) where TAP block was given for postoperative analgesia and was compared with patients who received pain relief according to the institutional protocol. Settings and Design: Retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods: Retrospective data from anesthesia records of patients, who underwent abdominal surgeries from January 2016 to December 2016, were analyzed and were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 250) consisted of patients who received the conventional standard postoperative analgesia protocol of the department of anesthesia. Group B (n = 136) consisted of patients who were administered TAP block postsurgery for the postoperative analgesia by the trained anesthesiologist. Primary outcome considered was (i) average VAS at 02, 06, 12, and 24 h and (ii) average opioid/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome considered was time to first rescue analgesia. Statistical Analysis: All parametric data were analyzed using unpaired t-test. Data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. A SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Average pain scores (VAS) were lower in Group B as compared to Group A in all subcategories of surgery postoperatively. Patients given TAP block (Group B) required less rescue analgesia in the postoperative period with time to first rescue analgesia being prolonged. Conclusions: On the basis of our retrospective study, we suggest that TAP block can be utilized as a part of multimodal analgesia regimen for abdominal surgeries, laparoscopic as well as open. Tap block has demonstrated a good safety profile in experienced hands; it is easy to perform and has displayed consistent analgesia over a prolonged period. It reduces postoperative morbidity and supports early ambulation.