Transversus Abdominis Plane Research Articles

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of transversus abdominis plane block with compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection on postoperative pain and opioid consumption and gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy.

Incorporation of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block into multimodal analgesia has been emphasized in Enhanced Recovery protocols (ERPs). However, benefit is limited in clinical practice. A potential explanation is the short duration of analgesia of standard local anesthetics. Herein, this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial evaluated whether TAPB with long-acting compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection reduces postoperative pain. 164 patients undergoing elective gynecological laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia randomly received ultrasound-guided TAP block with either saline, or ropivacaine, or compound lidocaine before anesthesia induction. The postoperative pain intensity (primary outcome) was evaluated by pain 11-point numerical rating scale. We also recorded sufentanil consumptions, time to first flatus, side-effects and hospital stay after surgery. We reported that pain scores at rest at postoperative 3h in group 0.375% ropivacaine was lower than that in group saline [mean 2.4 (SD 1.2) vs. 3.0 (1.0), p = 0.036]. Compared with saline, 0.4% and 0.6% compound lidocaine caused lower pain scores at rest at postoperative 12h [2.8 (0.9) vs. 2.1 (0.9) and 2.0 (0.9), p = 0.016 and p = 0.006]. Sufentanil usage for the first postoperative 48h was lower in group 0.6% compound lidocaine than group saline [24.2 (5.4) vs. 45.6 (7.5) µg, p < 0.001]. Time to first flatus and hospital stay after surgery was shortest and the incidence of postoperative nausea was lowest in patients receiving 0.6% compound lidocaine. TAP block with 0.6% compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection attenuates postoperative pain, reduces opioid consumption, accelerates gastrointestinal function recovery, and shortens length of hospital stay in patients after gynecological laparotomy. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04938882.

Utility of transversus abdominis plane block on patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision.

To evaluate the analgesic effect of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) on patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). Medical records of patients who were eligible to receive proctectomy surgery in Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (From January 2019 to December 2021) were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to the included cases. A total of 120 cases were divided into three groups based on the different operation and anesthesia methods used. Group-A (Lap, n=40) included patients that underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Group- B (ta, n=40) included patients who received taTME surgery under general anesthesia. Group-C (ta+TAPB, n=40) included patients who received taTME surgery under general anesthesia combined with TAPB. The dosage of sufentanil, time of postoperative revival and extubation, anal exhaust time and other adverse events were recorded. Pain assessment using the visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed at 12, 24,48 and 72 hours after the operation. There were no significant differences in the general parameters, operative conditions, and anesthetic administration between the three groups (P>0.05). The dosage of sufentanil was significantly reduced in Group-C, compared with Group-A and Group-B, with no difference between the groups A and B. There was no significant difference between the three groups in postoperative recovery time and extubation time. VAS score was lower in Group-C than Group-A and Group-B. This difference was more obvious in the early postoperative period and gradually diminished with time. VAS score became similar in all three groups 72 hours after the surgery. Transanal total mesorectal excision was associated with less pain, compared to laparoscopic TME. TAPB with general anesthesia in patients undergoing taTME is safe and effective. It can significantly reduce the use of sufentanil and has optimal analgesic effect.

The efficiency of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in early cervical cancer patients undergoing laparotomic radical hysterectomy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

We aim to compare the efficiency of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in patients undergoing laparotomic radical hysterectomy because only a few studies are reported exploring this matter. In this randomized controlled trail, 154 eligible patients were randomly allocated into ESPB group [ESPB + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA)] and TAPB group (TAPB + PCIA) at 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) score at rest state at 12 h. We found that ESPB group was associated with the lower VAS scores at rest and cough state than TAPB group at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). Less analgesic consumption and sufentanil consumption in PCIA pump were found in the ESPB group (P < 0.05). Moreover, ESPB group was followed by fewer rescue analgesia requirements, less rescue analgesic consumption, less adverse reactions, and higher analgesia satisfaction (P < 0.05). Our study found that ESPB had advantages on analgesic effect and opioids consumption. In the future, more studies were needed to confirm our findings. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier: ChiCTR2100044240.

Subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in liver transplant recipients: a before-and-after study

IntroductionPostoperative pain management after orthotopic liver transplantation is complex due to impaired liver function and frequent acute kidney dysfunction. Subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block may be of interest in...

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Single-Shot Epidural Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery.

Background Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and epidural analgesia are two frequently used regional anaesthesia techniques that attenuate postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair. Aim To compare the analgesic efficacy between the single-shot epidural block and TAP block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery. Methods Forty patients of either gender undergoing elective inguinal hernia surgery of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class Ⅰ and Ⅱ were randomly allocated into two groups. Group E received a single-shot epidural with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. Group T received a TAP block with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS). Rescue analgesia was given on VAS score ≥ 4 or on-demand in the postoperative period. The primary outcome included VAS score at 15 min, 1st h, 2nd h, 6th h, 12th h, and 24th h after the block. The secondary outcome was the analgesia duration, the total rescue analgesia dose required, and the patient satisfaction level. Results The VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the epidural group compared to the TAP group at the 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th h postoperatively (p<0.0001). The mean duration of analgesia was significantly more in Group E (576.75±96.64 min) compared to Group T (276.75±105.56 min). The total analgesic consumption was seen significantly more in 24 h in Group T than in Group E. Patient satisfaction score was significantly higher with a mean value of 5.55±0.6 in group E compared to 4.75±0.72 in group T. Conclusion A single-shot epidural provides better postoperative pain control than a TAP block. The duration of the first analgesic demand was prolonged, with less analgesic consumption in the epidural group.

Combined Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block with Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Analgesia After Total Minimally Invasive Mckeown Esophagectomy: A Randomized, Controlled, and Prospective Study.

Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and subcostal transverse abdominis plane block (TAP) have been considered to provide an effective analgesic effect for laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery, respectively. The purpose of this randomized, controlled, and prospective study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of TPVB combined with TAP in patients undergoing total minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy. Between February 2020 and December 2021, a total of 168 esophageal cancer patients undergoing McKeown esophagectomy at the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-Sen University, China, were randomly assigned to receive patient-controlled epidural analgesia alone (group PCEA, n=56), patient-controlled intravenous analgesia alone (group PCIA, n=56), and TPVB combined with TAP and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (group PVB, n=56). The primary outcome was a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score on movement 48h postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were pain scores at other points, intervention-related side effects, surgical complications, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. For the VAS pain score, the Kruskal-Wallis method was conducted for comparison of 3 treatment groups and further pairwise comparison with Bonferroni correction. On movement, the VAS in the PVB group was higher than that in the PCEA group at 48h, 72h, 96h, and 120h postoperatively (p<0.05) except in the postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 24h postoperatively. The VAS in the PCIA group was higher than the PCEA and PVB groups in the first 4days after surgery. The pulmonary complication rate in the PCIA group was significantly higher than the rate in the PCEA [95% Confidence Interval 0.214 (0.354, 0.067), p=0.024]. Combined TPVB and TAP was more effective than intravenous opioid analgesia alone, while PCEA was more effective than TPVB combined with TAP and intravenous opioid analgesia for patients after McKeown esophagectomy. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; ChiCTR2000029588.

Ultrasound mirror-image artifacts during transversus abdominis plane blockade.

Ultrasound mirror-image artifacts during transversus abdominis plane blockade.

Addition of preoperative transversus abdominis plane block to multimodal analgesia in open gynecological surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTransversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery. However, it was questionable whether TAP had additional effect in the context of multimodal analgesia (MMA). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the additional analgesic effect of preoperative TAP block when added to MMA protocol in open gynecological surgery.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized-controlled trial, 64 patients scheduled for open gynecological surgery were randomized to receive preoperative TAP block (Study group, n = 32) or placebo (Control group, n = 32) in addition to MMA protocol comprising dexamethasone, acetaminophen, flurbiprofen and celecoxib, and rescued morphine analgesia. The primary outcome was rescued morphine within 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, adverse effects, quality of recovery measured by 40-item quality of recovery questionnaire score (QoR-40) at 24 h, and quality of life measured with short-form health survey (SF − 36) on postoperative day (POD) 30.ResultsThe Study group had less rescued morphine than the control group within 24 h [5 (2–9) vs. 8.5 (5–12.8) mg, P = 0.013]. The Study group had lower pain scores at 1 h [3 (2–4) vs. 4 (3–5), P = 0.007], 2 h [3 (2–4) vs. 3.5 (3–5), P = 0.010] and 6 h [3 (2–3) vs. 3 (2.3–4), P = 0.028], lower incidence of nausea at 48 h (25.8% vs. 50%, P = 0.039), and higher satisfaction score [10 (10–10) vs. 10 (8–10), P = 0.041]. The SF-36 bodily pain score on POD 30 was higher in the Study group (59 ± 13 vs. 49 ± 16, P = 0.023).ConclusionsPreoperative TAP block had additional analgesic effect for open gynecological surgery when used as part of multimodal analgesia. Rescued morphine within 24 h was significantly reduced and the SF-36 bodily pain dimension at 30 days after surgery was significantly improved.Trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000040343, on Nov 28 2020).

Dexmedetomidine adjunct to ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for open inguinal hernia repair in the older adults: A randomised clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine on pain relief and quality of recovery in older patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair surgeries. This was a prospective and randomised clinical trial of 102 patients aged over 65 years who received an ultrasound-guided transversus open mesh herniorrhaphy abdominis plane (TAP) block with either 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml (Group R, n = 47) or 0.375% ropivacaine combined with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine 20 ml (Group RD, n = 45) in the pre-anaesthesia care unit before elective open inguinal hernia surgeries. The primary outcome measure was Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and on movement at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h and at 1 and 3 months' postoperatively. The secondary outcome measures were the incidence of post-operative delirium (POD), nausea and vomiting and the occurrence of side effects or complications on post-operative day 1. Group RD had lower VAS scores at rest and on movement at 8 and 12 h postoperatively and a lower incidence of POD on the post-operative day 1 than Group R. Transient bradycardia was more frequent in Group RD than in Group R, and side effects or post-operative complications were reported in either group. The addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in a TAP block enhances postoperative analgesia during hospitalisation and improves the quality of recovery without affecting chronic pain in older patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair surgery.

Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair and Appendicectomy Using Ropivacaine With Dexmedetomidine.

Background The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum (QL)block versus transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and appendicectomy using ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine for quality and duration of postoperative analgesia. Settings and design This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind study conducted for one year (September 2020-August 2021) in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee. Methods A total of 64 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I-II and ages between 20 and 50 years undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and appendicectomy were randomly allocated into two groups of 32 each; group A received ultrasonography (USG)-guided quadratus lumborum block using 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml with dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg of body weight, and group B was given USG-guided transversus abdominis plane block using 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml with dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg of body weight after the induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test as applicable. Results The duration of analgesia was statistically higher (P<0.001) in group A (21.00±3.73 hours) as compared to group B (14.44±2.99 hours).Group A had significantly less analgesic (P<0.001) at 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) was significantly decreased in group A at rest and movement. The range of percentage changes in heart rate (HR) was significantly higher in group B as compared to group A at 12, 18, and 24 hours(group A: 7.23%-14.70%; group B: 6.41%-28.01%). The mean blood pressure (MBP) was significantly increased in group B at 12, 18, and 24 hours as compared to group A. The range of changes in baseline MBP in group A was less than in group B(group A: 0.73%-8.34%; group B: 0.73%-18.20%). Conclusion Quadratus lumborum block is effective and better than transversus abdominis plane block for providing postoperative analgesia during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and appendicectomy.

Analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard surgical procedure for treating gallstone disease. Despite it being minimally invasive, various medications and methods are used to alleviate postoperative pain, and some patients still experience moderate-to-severe pain. This is a crucial problem that must be solved to avoid chronic pain. As part of postoperative multimodal analgesia, regional block is being increasingly applied in surgery under ultrasound guidance. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score. The secondary outcomes were the cumulative intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and shoulder pain after surgery. The results were pooled using the fixed- or random-effects model with Review Manager 5.3.ResultsFifteen randomized controlled trials involving 947 patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative pain score in the erector spinae plane block group was lower than that in the control group at postoperative 12 h (MD − 0.81, 95% CI − 1.1 to − 0.51, p < 0.00001) and 24 h (MD − 0.41, 95% CI − 0.62 to − 0.19, p = 0.0002). Cumulative opioid consumption was lower in the erector spinae plane block group than in the control group at postoperative 24 h (MD − 7.88, 95% CI − 10.17 to − 5.58, p < 0.00001). The erector spinae plane block group also experienced a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting than the control group. Opioid consumption and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were similar between the erector spinae plane block group and other block groups, including the oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum block groups.ConclusionsUltrasound-guided erector spinae plane block provides effective postoperative analgesia in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Effects of different anesthesia methods on postoperative immune function in patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection

To investigate the effects of different anesthetic methods on postoperative immune function in patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection. Ninety patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor resection were divided into 3 groups. Patients in the GA group were anesthetized by total intravenous anesthesia. The GE group was anesthetized by general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia. The GN group was anesthetized by general anesthesia combined with bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane block (TAP) and rectus sheath nerve blocks. General anesthesia is total intravenous anesthesia in all three groups. Blood samples were taken to test the changes of peripheral lymphocyte subtype analysis, and levels of plasma cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine. Also, the dosage of anesthetic drugs, recovery time, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded. Postoperative immune indexes, including CD4 count, CD8 count, B, and NK cells, in the GE group were significantly higher than those in NA and GA groups (P < 0.01). Perioperative stress indices, including epinephrine levels, norepinephrine level and aldosterone level, in the GE group were significantly lower than in the GA group and GN group (P < 0.01). The intraoperative/total sufentanil dosage and remifentanil dosage in the GE group were significantly lower than those in the GA and GN groups (P < 0.01). The VAS scores in the GE group were significantly better than those in GA and GN groups (P < 0.01). General anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia attenuates the increase in inflammatory mediators. Its possible mechanisms include reducing perioperative stress response and reducing perioperative opioid use.

Addition of Pericapsular Nerve Group and Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks Significantly Reduces Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Concomitant Hip Arthroscopy and Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Previous studies have evaluated the effect of the pericapsular nerve group block for hip arthroscopy and the transverse abdominis plane block for periacetabular osteotomy and have shown decreased narcotic consumption in both groups. No published study has evaluated the effectiveness of combining the blocks when performing hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy under the same general anesthesia. It was hypothesized that patients treated for hip dysplasia with hip arthroscopy and concomitant periacetabular osteotomy using a pericapsular nerve group block, transverse abdominis plane block, and general anesthesia would have decreased postoperative pain and require less narcotic consumption than those undergoing the procedure with general anesthetic alone. Methods:A single surgeon performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing concomitant hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy between 11/2020 and 6/2021. Fifteen consecutive patients undergoing the procedure with a general anesthetic alone (no-block group) were compared to 15 patients undergoing the same procedure with a combined pericapsular nerve group block, transverse abdominis plane block, and general anesthetic (block group).Hip arthroscopy was performed utilizing a post-free technique, and a rectus sparing approach was used for the periacetabular osteotomy. The nerve blocks were performed by multiple anesthesiologists using previously published methods. Operating room time, length of stay, visual analog scale pain scores, and total narcotic consumption in morphine milliequivalents were analyzed. Groups were compared using the chi-squared test for non-continuous demographic variables and a two-tailed t-test for continuous variables utilizing Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), p-value set at 0.05 for significance. Results:The no-block group consisted of 14 females and one male, while the block group was all females. No significant differences were observed between age, sex, BMI, surgery time, length of stay, or procedures performed, p>0.05. The maximal visual analog scale score in the post-anesthesia care unit was 8 ± 1.3 vs. 7 ± 1.9 in the no-block vs. block groups, respectively, p=0.15. The average hospital floor visual analog scale score was 5.7 ± 1.3 vs. 4.8 ± 1.3 in the no-block vs. block groups, respectively, p=0.07. Total pain medications required were 217.6 ± 54.6 vs. 154 ± 41.9 morphine milliequivalents in the no-block vs. block groups, respectively, p=0.001. No complications were reported in either group, and no patient in the block group demonstrated motor nerve palsy or postoperative fall. This study demonstrated that patients undergoing combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia who had pericapsular nerve group, transverse abdominal plane block, and general anesthesia required fewer narcotics in the first 24 hours after surgery compared to those who had general anesthesia alone.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Epidural Block for Postoperative Analgesia Following Lower Abdominal Cancer SurgeriesA Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Effective post-operative analgesia improves patient’s outcome and satisfaction. Many methods are available to provide best analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Epidural anaesthesia is “gold standard” but it is associated with its own drawbacks. Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a comparable technique to epidural to provide reliable analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Ultrasonography (USG) guided TAP block and the epidural block for the post-operative pain management in lower abdominal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical double-blinded study, conducted in 60 female patients undergoing lower abdominal cancer surgery under General Anaesthesia (GA) from July 2022 to September 2022. Patients were randomised to Group-E and Group-T. Group-E (Epidural) received injection (inj.) 0.2% Ropivacaine (10 ml) plus inj. Morphine 2 mg via epidural. Group-T (TAP) received inj. 0.2% Ropivacaine (20 ml) plus inj. Morphine 2 mg on each side via USG guided TAP block postoperatively. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score, first rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption and any side-effects in 24 hours were recorded. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 22.0 International Business Management (IBM) Corporation (NY) was used for statistical analysis. Unpaired t test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s-exact test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used as and when appropriate. Results: Data of total 60 female patients , 30 patients in each group(Group E mean age: 47.33±9.614 years and Group T mean age: 47.77±12.370 years) was collected and analysed. Both the groups were comparable with respect to age, height, weight, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, mean duration of surgery and duration of anaesthesia (p&gt;0.05). More patients in group-E had moderate pain at rest and coughing (VAS-4 to 6) at six hours and 12 hours which is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). None of the patient in both groups had severe pain. Time for need of first rescue analgesic was lower in Group-E (399.6±25.32 min) and in Group-T it was higher (462.6±26.94 min) which is also statistically highly significant (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: TAP has advantage over epidural in terms of effective postoperative analgesia, time of need and quantity of postoperative analgesics.

Laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block is useful in pain relief after laparoscopic stapled repair of diastasis recti and ventral hernia.

There is still no consensus on perioperative pain control techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery; protocols of conventional therapy can be improved by the use of perioperative anaesthesiologic techniques, such as epidural or loco-regional analgesic administration as transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. The aim of this evaluation was to investigate the role of laparoscopic-assisted TAP block during repair of diastasis recti associated with primary midline hernias in term of post-operative pain relief. This was a retrospective evaluation of a prospectively maintained database including patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti associated with primary ventral hernia. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A patients (n = 34) received laparoscopic-assisted bilateral TAP-block of 7.5 mg/ml ropivacaine for each side and Group B patients (n = 29) received conventional post-operative therapy. All patients received 24 h infusion of 20 mg morphine; pain was checked at 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery by numeric rating scale (NRS) score. A rescue analgesia by was given if NRS score was >4 or on patient request. No differences in operative time, complications and post-operative stay, no complications related to TAP-block technique were found. Post-operative pain scores (determined by NRS) were found to be significantly different between groups. Group A patients showed a significant reduction in NRS score at 6, 24 and 48 h (P < 0.005) and in the number of patients requiring further analgesic drugs administration (P < 0.005) compared to Group B patients. Laparoscopic-guided TAP-block can be considered safe and effective in the management of post-operative pain and in the reduction of analgesic need in patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti and ventral hernias. The non-randomised nature of the study and the lack of a consistent series of patients require further evaluations.

Surgical Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Lower Abdominal Surgeries: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Pain from lower abdominal surgeries originates from the abdominal wall incision. The Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) is a fascial plane between the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscle, which contains the nerve bundles. TAP block involves infiltrating this plane with anaesthetic drugs that block the somatic component of postoperative pain. Traditionally, the TAP block is given by anaesthesiologists as a blind procedure or under Ultrasound (US) guidance. In 2010, an innovative surgical TAP block method was developed, where the surgeon gives TAP block under direct vision before closing the abdomen during abdominal surgery. Many studies have recommended surgical TAP block as an intervention for achieving postoperative pain relief. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the surgical TAP block technique for postoperative analgesia following lower abdominal surgeries using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and by comparing the need for rescue analgesia and the total amount of analgesic drugs utilised within the first 24 hours of surgery. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Oxford Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from January 2022 to December 2022. The study participants included 108 women undergoing lower abdominal surgeries under spinal or epidural or combined regional anaesthesia and belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system ASA I or ASA II or ASA IIE. The study group included 54 women who received surgical TAP block with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine and 4 mg of dexamethasone, intraoperatively on either side before closure of the abdomen. Postoperative pain was assessed using VAS at regular intervals within 24 hours of surgery. VAS was also recorded whenever the participants demanded rescue analgesia. The control group included 54 women who received intravenous tramadol 50 mg eight hourly for postoperative pain relief, while the study group received rescue analgesia on demand or if the VAS score was recorded as three or more. The time for the first request for rescue analgesia and the total dose of rescue analgesic required in the first 24 hours after surgery were also recorded. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. For inferential statistics, numerical data were analysed by Chi-square test, and for continuous data, the Student’s t-test was used. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study group had significantly lower postoperative pain VAS scores when compared to the control group at four hours and beyond time intervals. The mean VAS scores at six hours were 1.85 in the study group and 2.35 in the control group (p-value=0.01), at 24 hours it was 2.04 in the study group and 2.24 in the control group (p-value=0.04). The mean time for the first rescue analgesia in the study group and control group was 11 hours 25 minutes and 2 hours 43 minutes, respectively, and the total tramadol consumption was 77.78±46.24 mg and 117.59±36.55 mg, respectively. Both results were statistically significant (p-value&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Surgical TAP block significantly delays the need for rescue analgesia and decreases the total analgesia required in the first 24 hours after surgery. It is an effective, safe, and simple technique for achieving postoperative pain relief.

Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patient Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background: The Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block technique is one method for inhibiting abdominal pain stimuli by blocking afferent nerves in the abdominal wall via the Petit triangle. TAP block action is frequently performed as a postoperative procedure, such as in the case of hernia repair. The goal of using ultrasound in TAP blocks is to distribute the anesthetic agent accurately in the appropriate neurovascular plane. Case: A 66-year-old male geriatric patient with an incarcerated right inguinal hernia and a history of Hypertensive Heart Disease (HHD) was seen. The patient complained of right groin pain that spread to the right side of the abdomen. Based on the Electrocardiogram (ECG), atrial fibrillation was identified as slow ventricular response and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH). Chest X-ray revealed cardiomegaly with LVH configuration. ASA III E was assigned to the patient. Regional Anesthesia Subarachnoid Block (RASAB) was used to perform an emergency hernia repair using a regimen of Bupivacaine heavy 0.5% 7.5 mg with adjuvant Fentanyl 50 g. Bilateral TAP block administration using Ropivacaine regimen 0.25% of the total volume of 30 ml was given as postoperative analgesia management. Hemodynamic monitoring, complications and postoperative pain scale were carried out in the High Care Unit (HCU). Hemodynamically stable, pain scale was 1-2 at 24 hours postoperative and no complications. Conclusion: TAP block is provide an effective and safe anti-pain effect in patients undergoing hernia repair with geriatric comorbidities and a history of HHD, as well as to prevent cardiovascular complications and to speed up postoperative patient mobilization.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block in children: retrospective analysis of 97 cases.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a method for postoperative pain management. Studies on children are gradually increasing. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate effectiveness of TAP block on pain control, its side effects, and parental satisfaction levels in children. Study included patients operated between January 2019 and December 2020 in Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. Total of 97 patients (35 girls, 62 boys) between 5 and 18 years who had an ultrasound guided TAP block for lower abdominal or inguinal surgery were examined retrospectively. TAP block application time, hemodynamic variables, postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic requirement, sex, surgical history and satisfaction levels were evaluated. : The average application time of TAP block was 9.48 ± 3.4 and the time between TAP block and surgical incision was 12.06 ± 6.1 min. Pain scores in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at the postoperative first hour decreased as the time between TAP block and surgical incision increased (p < 0.05). Girls have higher pain scores at PACU than boys (p < 0.05). Previous surgical history increased postoperative 1st hour pain scores (OR: 13.8; 95% CI 1.7-113.3; p = 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between pain scores at PACU, postoperative 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th and satisfaction levels (r = -0.45, r = -0.56, r = -0.60, r = -0.54, r = -0.52, r = -0,43, respectively, p < 0.05). Ultrasound-guided TAP blocks can be performed safely in children in lower abdominal surgeries. However, the efficacy of TAP block on late term postoperative pain scores is limited. Time interval between the TAP block and the incision, sex, and pain memory, as well as other factors that may improve the quality of TAP block should be considered.

Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block associated with Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block as a multimodal analgesia for breast cancer early reconstruction surgery. Case report

Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block associated with Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block as a multimodal analgesia for breast cancer early reconstruction surgery. Case report

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block with or without Intravenous Diclofenac Sodium as a Component of Multimodal Postoperative Analgesia Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Multimodal analgesia is the recommended approach for treating post-operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a recently introduced technique showing promising results. To control visceral and somatic pain adequately and to avoid use of opioids intra-operative diclofenac sodium, combined with TAP block as part of a multimodal approach, may be beneficial. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of TAP block with or without intraoperative diclofenac sodium aqueous injection for controlling post-operative pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: A randomised, double-blinded study was conducted from February 2022 to October 2022 at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Forty American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status-I and II patients aged 20-50 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups of 20 patients each. Group A patients received bilateral Ultrasonography (USG) guided TAP block using 20 mL of 0.125% Bupivacaine on each side of the abdomen at the end of surgery. Group B patients received intravenous injection of diclofenac sodium aqueous 75 mg intravenous, intraoperatively, along with bilateral USG guided TAP block using 0.125% Bupivacaine. The primary outcome was the duration of post-operative analgesia (measured by the first request for rescue analgesia after the end of the operation at a VAS score of 4). Secondary outcomes included the total post-operative analgesic requirement (diclofenac sodium), pain score (VAS) over 24 hours in the post-operative period, and the incidence of complications such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and bradycardia. Patient Satisfaction Score (PSS) was recorded for each patient before discharge. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 24.0 software. Continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables were expressed as percentages. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used for between-group comparisons, with a p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Amongst total 40 patients included, divided into group A(mean age: 32.95±8.74 years, 6 males and 14 females) and group B(31.90±9.16 years, 5 males and 15 females) with 20 patients each, the demographic characteristics such as age, gender, height, and weight were similar in both groups. The duration of post-operative analgesia was longer in Group B (16.32±1.29 hours) than in Group A (7.85±1.04 hours). The total post-operative analgesic requirement was lower in Group B (32.95±20.9 mg) compared to Group A (58.33±17.14 mg). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were lower in Group B than in Group A. PSS was significantly higher in Group B patients (8.14±1.06) than in Group A patients (6.16±1.38). Conclusion: TAP block, along with intra-operative intravenous diclofenac sodium aqueous, as part of a multimodal regimen, provides superior post-operative analgesia compared to TAP block alone. It is also associated with improved patient satisfaction.