Using the posterior TAP block for postoperative analgesia for major liver surgery in pediatrics

Abstract

Anesthesiological provision of pediatric liver surgery is associated with problems related to perioperative analgesia. Standard methods of anesthesia can have contraindications and complications.The objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the posterior TAP block for postoperative analgesia in pediatric liver surgery.Subjects and Methods. A prospective, single, blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. The participants were children aged 2 to 7 who underwent liver resection. The patients were divided into groups. In Control Group, combined anesthesia was performed. In Study Group, it was combined with a bilateral posterior TAP block. Pain in the postoperative period was assessed by the FLACC scale.Results. The intensity of pain in the postoperative period was higher in Control Group. More patients required tramadol administration in Control Group. There was no difference in the occurrence of the PONV syndrome. No complications associated with the block were noted.Conclusion. The posterior TAP block has a clinically significant analgesic effect and can be used for perioperative pain relief during pediatric liver surgery. This method is relatively safe. Impaired hemostasis system is not an absolute contraindication to a TAP block.