Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Sheath Block versus Transversus Abdominus Plane Block for Post-Operative Analgesia in Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract

Abstract Background Nerve root or myofascial irritation at the abdominal wall is a common cause of pain following surgeries such as cesarean section, cholecystectomy, prostatectomy, hysterectomy and transplant surgery. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of ultrasound guided TAP block versus ultrasound guided rectus sheath block as regards its efficacy, hemodynamic stability, onset of post-operative pain, amount of post-operative narcotics used. Patients and Methods In the current study eighty patients who received spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisted of 40 patients. Group A: Patients in this group received bilateral US guided TAP block at the end of surgery. Group B: Patients in this group received bilateral US guided rectus sheath block at the end of surgery. Results These result met with another study, Ayman Saleh et al which shows the time for first analgesic request (minutes) was significantly increased in TAP when compared to RS block groups (332.50±42.93 vs 220.10±21.51 minutes, respectively). Also, the total analgesic consumption (mg) was significantly reduced in TAP when compared to RS block groups respectively (90.40±27.02 vs 157.00±37.80 mg, respectively). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided TAP block was more effective than ultrasound-guided RS block in patients undergoing cesarean delivery with prolonged postoperative analgesia, less analgesics consumption and less postoperative nausea and vomiting.