Postoperative Cesarean Section Pain Management Using Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Intrathecal Morphine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block versus intrathecal morphine (ITM) on elective postcesarean section pain, opioid consumption, and related side effects. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A search for evidence was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Collaboration Database, UpToDate, Health Source, and gray literature. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the study. The methodological quality of evidence assessment was conducted using the Risk of Bias and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. The meta-analysis used Review Manager (RevMan 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration). FINDINGS: A total of 11 RCTs involving 1,129 patients were analyzed. Compared to ITM, TAP has a similar effect on static (mean difference [MD]; 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.04 to 0.79; P = .08) and dynamic pain scores (MD, 0.43; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.92; P = .09) within the first 48 hours after surgery. Additionally, the TAP block had a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.66; P < .0001) and increased opioid consumption (MD, 6.78; 95% CI, 3.79 to 9.77; P < .00001). Overall, TAP block and ITM did not differ in the time to first to rescue analgesia, incidence of sedation, and pruritus. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that TAP blocks are equivalent to ITM in pain scores and more effective at lowering the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, yet ITM has been shown to be more effective in reducing postoperative opioid consumption.

Laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in colorectal surgery: a non-inferiority, multicentric randomized double-blinded clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess if laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (L-TAPB) is as efficient as ultrasound-guided TAP block (U-TAPB) in postoperative pain control. METHOD: In all, 112 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colon resection from February 2018 to December 2021 at two Swiss hospitals were included and randomized in a 1:1 ratio before surgery with either L-TAPB or U-TAPB. The primary end-point was the non-inferiority of the L-TAPB compared to U-TAPB with regard to the total opioid consumption within the first 24 h after surgery. Data regarding patients' characteristics, opioid consumption, pain on the visual analogue scale, operative and anaesthesia induction time, complications and length of stay were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were allocated to the L-TAPB and fifty-seven to the U-TAPB. No significant difference was found in the overall dose of opioids within 24 h, and the non-inferiority of the L-TAPB was confirmed. There were almost twice as many patients in the L-TAPB group requesting opioid reserves compared to the U-TAPB group (54.5% vs. 29.8%, P = 0.008). The anaesthesia induction time was significantly longer in the U-TAPB group (17 ± 11 min vs. 23 ± 12 min, P = 0.014). For all other variables (pain on the visual analogue scale, opioid consumption, need of epidural analgesia, operating time, postoperative complications and hospital stay) no statistically significant difference between the L-TAPB and the U-TAPB groups was noted. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the non-inferiority of the laparoscopic delivery compared to ultrasound-guided administration of the TAP block, with the advantage of not affecting anaesthesia times. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2017-02017 CE 3294, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04575233.

Randomized single blind trial to compare the short term post-operative outcome and cost analysis of laparoscopic versus ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Bariatric surgery despite being minimally invasive can cause moderate to severe pain in the immediate postoperative period. Adequate pain management remains a major challenge. Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a regional anesthesia technique which blocks the sensory nerve supply of anterior-lateral abdominal wall. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Primary: evaluate Laparoscopic versus ultrasound (USG)-guided TAP block on immediate post-operative analgesia after undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Secondary: compare cost effectiveness of Laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided TAP block after undergoing bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized Single blind study undertaken after sample size was calculated by (N) = 2(Zα + Z1-ß)2σ2/δ2 which proposed 60 patients in each group. Block randomization was done after excluding redo/revision surgeries and patients were alloted Group I: Laparoscopic-guided TAP block & Group II: USG-guided TAP block. In both groups, Bilaterally, 20 ml (0.25%) bupivacaine was injected immediately after completion of bariatric surgery. SPSS v23 (IBM Corp.) was used for analysis. RESULTS: Group I (N = 61 53F/8 M) & Group II (N = 60 42F/18 M) were demographically comparable. Group I (3.58 ± 0.67) had significantly lower procedure time compared to Group II (12.47 ± 1.61) (p-Value < 0.001). First rescue analgesia was administered at 7.07 ± 2.61 h in Group I vs 7.21 ± 2.39 h in Group II (p-Value 0.659). In first 24 h rescue analgesic dose requirement in Group I was 1.29 ± 0.53 vs 1.39 ± 0.50 in Group II (p-Value 0.487). VAS scores during rest and movement till 24 h post-operative were statistically similar. Procedural cost was more in group II. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-guided TAP block is a safe and cost-effective approach for postoperative pain management after bariatric surgery and provides similar comparable analgesic effect as the USG-TAP block. Laparoscopic TAP is a surgeon delivered, easy to administer and significantly less time-consuming procedure which is feasible even when an ultrasound machine is not available.

Efficacy of a TAP block versus an anterior QLB for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Both the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and the anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) have been shown effective in reducing postoperative pain after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Our hypothesis was that there is no difference in analgesic effect between the two blocks for this procedure. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled study, 60 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were equally randomly assigned to either a preoperative TAP block or an anterior QLB. The primary outcome was oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption at 4 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were OME consumption at 24, 48 h and 7 days, pain scores at rest and when coughing, nausea, and level of sedation measured at 1, 2, 3, 24, and 48 h and 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients completed the study. There was no significant difference in OME consumption at 4 h postoperatively, TAP group (10.3 ± 7.85 mg) (mean ± SD) versus the anterior QLB group (10.9 ± 10.85 mg) (p = .713). The pain scores were similar at rest and when coughing during the 7 day observation period, as were the level of sedation and incidence of nausea. There were no cases of serious side-effects or muscle weakness of the thigh on the same side as the block. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in OME consumption, pain, nausea or sedation between the TAP and the anterior QLB. Thus, the choice between the two blocks in a clinical setting of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair should be based on other aspects, such as skills, practicalities, and potential risks.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF ANALGETIC ACTION OF LAPAROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED TAP BLOCK AS A COMPONENT OF PERIOPERATIVE MULTIMODAL ANALGESIA PLAN IN OBESE PATIENTS UNDERGOING METABOLIC SURGERY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted TAP block utilization in the system of multimodal analgesia by comparing the severity of pain and associated postoperative recovery indicators in obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The retrospective study included 39 patients, who underwent metabolic surgery from 2013-2022. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the chosen perioperative analgesia protocol. Group 1 included 19 patients who prior to skin incision a local infiltration of the trocar puncture areas of the abdominal wall. Group 2 included 20 patients, whom in addition to the above-described anaesthesia procedure after completion of the main stage of surgery, a laparoscopically assisted bilateral subcostal TAP block was additionally performed. RESULTS: Results: The need to use opioid analgesics in the rescue analgesia mode arose in 17.6% (3/17) of patients of the first group, and 5% (1/20) of patients in the second group Average duration of postoperative hospitalization in group 1 was 7.2±1.1 days, and in group 2 it was 6.2±1.4 days (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Subcostal TAP block in obese patients is a safe and effective method of regional anaesthesia. Further study of this option of regional anaesthesia is required in order to be able to form clearer recommendations for its routine use in clinical practice.

Examining current patterns of opioid prescribing and use after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate amount of opioid medications to prescribe following bariatric surgery are lacking. We sought to determine our current opioid-prescribing practices, patient utilization, and satisfaction with pain control following elective bariatric surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and phone survey were conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from April 2018 to March 2019 at a single academic medical center. Opioid medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents provided (MMEs). RESULTS: In total, 192 patients met inclusion criteria. The median amount of opioid medication prescribed on discharge was 300 oral MMEs, although there was a significant difference between the MMEs prescribed to patients with and without chronic opioid therapy (median 300 MMEs opioid naïve vs. 375 MMEs chronic opioid therapy, p = 0.01). Significantly fewer SG patients required a refill of their opioid medication compared to RYGB (8.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.003). Of the 192 patients, 87 (45.3%) completed the phone survey. Fifty-six patients (64%) reported that they took half or less of the initially prescribed opioids. Of the patients with leftover medication, 36% reported that they did not dispose of the medication. Overall understanding of pain control options after surgery was significantly lower in patients who felt they were prescribed "too little" opioids (p = 0.01), patients requiring refills (p = 0.02), and patients who were not satisfied with their pain control (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There is a gap between the amount of opioid medication prescribed and taken by patients following bariatric surgery in our practice. Patients who were least satisfied with their pain control reported knowledge gaps about pain control options that were more significant than patients who were more satisfied. Future initiatives should focus on the reduction of opioids prescribed to bariatric surgery patients post-operatively and on opioid education for patients.

Regional abdominal wall nerve block versus epidural anesthesia after hepatectomy: analysis of the ACS NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine whether regional abdominal wall nerve block is a superior to epidural anesthesia (EA) after hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing open hepatectomy in the NSQIP targeted file (2014-2016) were identified. Those with INR > 1.5, Platelets < 100, bleeding disorders, undergoing liver ablation without resection, and spinal anesthesia were excluded. Patients with regional abdominal wall nerve block (RAB), mostly transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, were matched (1:1) to those undergoing EA using propensity scores to adjust for baseline differences. RESULTS: Out of 1727 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 361 (21%) had RAB. Of whom 345 were matched (1:1) to those who underwent EA. The matched cohort was well-balanced regarding preoperative characteristics, extent of hepatectomy, concurrent ablations as well as biliary reconstruction. RAB was associated with shorter hospital stay (median: 6 days vs. 5 days, p = 0.007). Overall morbidity (44.1% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.217), serious morbidity (27% vs. 25.2%, p = 0.603), and mortality (2.6% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.806) were not different between the two groups. Individual complications, readmission rate, and blood transfusion were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Regional abdominal nerve block is associated with shorter hospital stay than epidural anesthesia without an increase in overall postoperative morbidity or mortality. RAB is a viable alternative anesthesia adjunct to EA in patients undergoing hepatectomy. However, given the retrospective nature of this study further studies comparing the modalities should be considered to definitively define the utility of RAB.

The efficacy of laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block on reducing postoperative narcotic usage in patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative pain relief after abdominal operations is critical for patient satisfaction and rapid recovery. Narcotics have been a traditional part of postoperative analgesia, with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block introduced recently. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic TAP block on postoperative pain control in patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy. METHODS: This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective study. Parameters related to postoperative pain control were compared between patients who underwent robotic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy with (after December 2018) or without laparoscopic TAP block (control group) (before December 2018) by one surgeon. Statistics were performed using Mann Whitney U and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: There were 86 patients in the TAP and 83 patients in the control group. Groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical parameters. Despite the availability of intravenous acetaminophen to a higher percentage of patients in the control (31.3%) versus the TAP group (8.1%), 0-24 h lowest postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the TAP group (P < 0.0001). In TAP versus control group, percentage of patients requiring narcotics and amount of narcotics used was lower (P = 0.04 vs P = 0.0004, respectively). Mainly due to less pain-related over-stay, percentage of patients requiring more than a day of hospital stay was less in the TAP (12%) versus control group (18%) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, the utility of TAP block in patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy has not been reported in the past. This study shows that there may be benefits of laparoscopic TAP block in reducing post-operative narcotic usage while improving pain control in these patients.

Efficacy of laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative pain management and surgery side effects in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries.

PURPOSE: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a new option for reducing postoperative pain. This study investigated the effects of laparoscopic TAP block on postoperative adverse events and analgesia and antiemetics requirements after bariatric surgery. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, patients were randomly divided into control (N = 20) or TAP block (N = 20) groups. In the TAP block group, the block was performed under direct laparoscopic guidance after surgery and before the removal of trocars. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (75%) versus four patients (20%) received opioids within the first 6 h in the control and TAP groups, respectively (p-value < 0.001). The cumulative amount of opioids consumed in the 24 and 48 h after surgery was lower in the TAP group (p-value < 0.001). The visual analog scale (VAS) regarding general and wound-specific pain was significantly lower in the TAP group compared to the control group at 6 and 24 h both at rest and in movement. However, there was no significant difference at 48 h postoperatively. The percentages of patients having postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pruritus, and resumption of bowel movement were not significantly different between the two groups at any time (6, 24, and 48 h) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-guided TAP block is a pragmatic, applicable, and minimally invasive regional technique and can be part of effective postoperative pain management in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Applying it laparoscopically without the need for ultrasound is also useful and effective.

Comparative study of dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl as adjuvants to bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a prospective randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is beneficial for pain management after conducting abdominal surgery. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl, as adjuvants to bupivacaine, for ultrasound-guided TAP block analgesia among patients undergoing radical cystectomy for postoperative pain management. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, comparative study included a total of 60 patients, who underwent radical cystectomy. Participants were randomly divided into three categories with 20 subjects each; group B had patients who received a single shot US-guided TAP block on each side with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + 2 ml normal saline; group BF had patients who received a single shot US-guided TAP block on each side with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 µg/kg fentanyl dissolved in 2 ml normal saline and group BD had patients who received a single shot US-guided TAP block on each side with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine dissolved in 2 ml normal saline.The researchers recorded the time taken for first rescue analgesia, total analgesic dose in the first 24 h after surgery, patient satisfaction, sedation score, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The time taken for first rescue analgesia was significantly lengthier in group (BD) (8.90 ± 2.47) than (BF) (6.50 ± 1.43) and (B) (4.40 ± 1.05) groups. The total nalbuphine consumption, during the first 24 h, was significantly lower in (BD) (0.15 ± 0.00) group compared to (BF) (0.20 ± 0.07) and (B) (0.24 ± 0.08) groups. CONCLUSION: In comparison with fentanyl, as an adjuvant to bupivacaine, dexmedetomidine was found to be associated with prolonged postoperative analgesia, less postoperative pain scores and low opioid consumption. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov on 23 March 2020 (registration number: NCT04318158).

Postoperative Analgesia after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Control Trial.

In this prospective, randomized, double blind control trial we aim to investigate which of the most used analgesic techniques after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most efficient. Methods: This study included 81 patients that were randomly distributed into 3 groups using a computer-generated random number which was enclosed in a sealed envelope: group A (control) received classic multimodal iv opioid analgesia, group B received Tap block in oblique subcostal approach (OSTAP) and group C received local anesthetic infiltration of the trocar insertion sites (LAI). The primary outcome of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of each analgetic technique by measuring VAS pain scores. Secondary outcome included intraoperative opioid requirement and the opioid consumption in the first 24h postoperatively. Intraoperative parameters and outcome data were recorded by an anesthesiologist who was blinded to the study groups. Results: We analyzed a total of 75 patients. For the primary outcome variable, VAS pain scores at rest were significantly reduced in OSTAP group at each time point assessed in the first 24 hours after surgery compared with LAI group and IV opioid analgesia group (p 0.001). Intraoperative fentanyl consumption and 24h pethidine consumption were also significantly reduced in TAP block group compared with LAI group and IV opioid analgesia group (p 0.001). Conclusions: Our study showed that OSTAP block is a more efficient analgesia technique compared with IV opioid analgesia and with local anesthetic infiltration of trocar sites after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02707250).

Continuous transversus abdominis plane blocks in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery: a randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are used in an attempt to decrease narcotic use and its subsequent consequences. The primary goal of this study was to see if TAP blocks decreased narcotic use in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery. METHODS: A randomized pilot study was conducted. The amount of narcotic used examined in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) was collected for the first 4 post-operative days (PODs). Demographic data, length of stay (LOS), readmission rate, and 90-day mortality was also examined. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with a p < 0.05 determined to be significant. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included. Forty-seven were randomized to the TAP group and 41 to the no TAP group. There was no difference in age, race, gender, indication for operation, or Charlson Comorbidity Index (p > 0.05). The median MME for each POD was similar for POD 1 (22.5 vs 37.5; p = 0.054), POD 3 (15 vs 22.5; p = 0.48), and POD 4 (22.5 vs 10.5; p = 0.42) on bivariate analysis. On POD 2, the TAP group had significantly less narcotic intake than the no TAP group (17.5 vs 30; p = 0.047). However, on multivariate analysis when controlling for other variables, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Median LOS was 3 days for both groups. Readmissions, post-operative complications, and mortality were also similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that continuous TAP blocks do not decrease the amount of MME used during the first 4 post-operative days compared to patient receiving traditional pain control measures.

Laparoscopically guided transversus abdominis plane block offers better pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a triple blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anaesthetic technique providing analgesia to the parietal peritoneum, muscles and skin of the anterior abdominal wall innervated by somatic nerves T6 to L1. We present the results of our randomized triple blind study comparing laparoscopically guided TAP block with the commonly used port site local anaesthetic infiltration for pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A hundred patients with symptomatic gallstones planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups of TAP block and port site infiltration. Group A received 4-quadrant TAP block with 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at each of the four sites guided laparoscopically and port site infiltration with 10 ml of normal saline at each of the 4 ports for blinding the surgeon. Group B received port site infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine, and infiltration with normal saline at TAP block sites for blinding the surgeon. Post-operative pain (at 3, 6, 24 h and 1-week post-operative) (VAS), time to return to activities of daily living and patient satisfaction (Capuzzo Score) were recorded by an observer blinded towards the groups of the patients. RESULTS: The median VAS at 3, 6, 24 h, at discharge, and 1-week post-operative were lesser in Group A compared to Group B (p ≤ 0.001 for all). The median duration of hospital stay was also lesser in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.48, not significant) as was the time to return to activities (p < 0.05). The median Capuzzo score was higher in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows that laparoscopically guided TAP block is a safe and easy-to-use technique. It reduces the severity of post-operative pain, helps in quick recovery, early discharge and improved patient satisfaction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Clinical Trials Registry of India 020227.

Analgesic efficacy of pre-emptive local wound infiltration plus laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane block versus wound infiltration in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection: results from a randomized, multicenter, single-blind, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is considered a reliable locoregional technique for pain control after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. However, no clear benefit of TAP block over wound infiltration has been demonstrated by the current literature. This multicenter randomized clinical trial tested the non-inferiority of wound infiltration (WI) compared to WI plus laparoscopic-assisted TAP block (L-TAP). METHODS: All patients with colorectal cancer and diverticular disease scheduled for laparoscopic resection at the Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy and at the Colorectal Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, between April 2018 and March 2019 were considered for the trial. Patients were randomly allocated to either the WI group or the WI plus L-TAP group in a 1:1 allocation ratio. In total, 108 patients entered the study and 102 patients were analyzed; 50 patients received WI plus L-TAP and 52 patients received WI. The primary end point was the efficacy in pain control at 6 h measured according to Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary aims evaluated pain control at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h and other short-term results related to pain management. RESULTS: Estimation of pain intensity at 6 h was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.16) with a mean (95% CI) difference in pain scores of 0.94 (- 0.13 to 2.02). No differences in pain scores were observed at other interval times or considering analgesic consumption, return of bowel function, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adding TAP block to WI does not affect pain control, amount of analgesics and other short-term outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03376048 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Transversus abdominis plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block compared with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in abdominal surgery has been controversial. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess outcomes of TAP block and TEA in a procedure-specific manner in colorectal surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted through July 10, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TAP block with TEA in colorectal surgery. Primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and movement at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at 0-2 and 48 h, opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), functional recovery, hospital stay, and adverse events. RESULTS: Six RCTs with 568 patients were included. Methodological quality of these RCTs ranged from moderate to high. TAP block provided comparable pain control, lower 24 h and total opioid consumption, shorter time to ambulation and urinary catheter time, and lower incidence of sensory disturbance and postoperative hypotension compared with TEA. Meanwhile, the 48-h opioid consumption, PONV incidence, and hospital stay were similar between groups. When laparoscopic surgery was the only surgical approach employed, TAP block provided additional benefits of shorter time to first flatus and lower incidence of PONV compared with TEA. CONCLUSIONS: Perhaps more germane to minimally invasive procedures, TAP block is equivalent to TEA in terms of postoperative pain control and provides better functional recovery with lower incidence of adverse events in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of a Surgeon-Performed Laparoscopic-Guided, 4-point Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: A retrospective review.

We performed a retrospective chart review from October 2017 to March 2019 to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a surgeon-performed, laparoscopically guided, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for robot-assisted gynecologic procedures. A total of 116 patients who underwent robot-assisted gynecologic surgery, at 1 academic hospital, with administration of a 4-point TAP block were included. A 4-point TAP block was performed under laparoscopic visualization, by the same surgeon, after induction of anesthesia and immediately after placement of the laparoscope. Liposomal bupivacaine (20 mL) and 0.5% bupivacaine (20 mL) mixed with saline were used as the injectant. All information from the surgical admission and the postoperative follow-up were reviewed. Data were presented in our descriptive study. A total of 116 patients were included with a mean age of 40.6 years (19-80 years) and a mean body mass index of 30.6 kg/m2 (17.2-53.3 kg/m2). Of the patients, 70.7% were discharged to home on the day of surgery. Of the 29.3% of patients who were admitted, 20.6% were admitted because of pain control. Those who were admitted for pain control comprised 6.0% of the total of all study participants. There were no adverse events in our cohort and no readmissions because of pain control. A surgeon-performed TAP block, under laparoscopic visualization, is a safe and efficacious intervention to reduce postoperative pain and may add to a multimodal approach for enhanced recovery protocols.

Effect of preoperative versus postoperative use of transversus abdominis plane block with plain 0.25 % bupivacaine on postoperative opioid use: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery protocols optimize pain control via multimodal approaches that include transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative vs. postoperative plain 0.25 % bupivacaine TAP block on postoperative opioid use after colorectal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing postoperative opioid use in patients who received preoperative (n = 240) vs. postoperative (n = 22) plain 0.25 % bupivacaine TAP blocks. The study was conducted in a single tertiary care institution and included patients who underwent colorectal resections between August 2018 and January 2020. The primary outcome of the study was postoperative opioid use. Secondary outcomes included operative details, length of stay, reoperation, and readmission rates. RESULTS: Patients who received postoperative plain 0.25 % bupivacaine TAP blocks were less likely to require postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) (59.1 % vs. 83.3 %; p = 0.012) and opioid medications on discharge (6.4 % vs. 16.9 %; p = 0.004) relative to patients who received preoperative TAP. When needed, a significantly smaller amount of opioid was prescribed to the postoperative group (84.5 vs. 32.0 mg, p = 0.047). No significant differences were noted in the duration of postoperative PCA use, amount of oral opioid use, and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Plain 0.25 % bupivacaine TAP block administered postoperatively was associated with significantly lower need for postoperative PCA and discharge opioid medications. The overall hospital length of stay was not affected by the timing of TAP block. Because of the limited sample size in this study, conclusions cannot be generalized, and more research will be required.

Analgesic efficacy of postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized, prospective, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could reduce 24 h rescue tramadol requirement compared with placebo in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic surgery following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included in this study and randomized into Group and Group Control. The patients received a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block in either 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (Group TAP) per side or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group Control). The primary outcome was the cumulative consumption of rescue tramadol within 24 h after the surgery. Secondary endpoints included (1) resting and movement numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h; (2) incidences of related side effects; (3) time to the first request for rescue tramadol; (4) patient satisfaction regarding postoperative analgesia; (5) time to restoration of intestinal function; (6) time to mobilization; and (7) the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: In total, 92 patients were randomized, and 82 patients completed the analysis. The total rescue tramadol requirement (median [interquartile range]) within the first 24 h was lower in Group TAP (0 [0, 87.5] mg) than in Group Control (100 [100, 200] mg), P < 0.001. The posterior TAP block reduced resting and movement NRS pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P < 0.001) but showed similar scores at 48 h or 72 h. A higher level of satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was observed in Group TAP on day 1 (P = 0.002), which was similar on days 2 (P = 0.702) and 3 (P = 0.551), compared with the Group Control. A few incidences of opioid-related side effects (P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of patients requiring rescue tramadol analgesia within 24 h (P < 0.001) were observed in Group TAP. The time to the first request for rescue analgesia was prolonged, and the time to mobilization and flatus was reduced with a shorter hospital stay in Group TAP as compared with Group Control. CONCLUSIONS: A postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block resulted in better pain management and a faster recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, without adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn ( ChiCTR-IPR-17012650 ; Sep 12, 2017).

The association of transversus abdominis plane block with length of stay, pain and opioid consumption after anterior or lateral lumbar fusion: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Anterior (ALIF) and lateral (LLIF) lumbar interbody fusion is associated with significant postoperative pain, opioid consumption and length of stay. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks improve these outcomes in other surgical subtypes but have not been applied to spine surgery. A retrospective study of 250 patients was performed to describe associations between TAP block and outcomes after ALIF/LLIF. METHODS: The electronic medical records of 129 patients who underwent ALIF or LLIF with TAP block were compared to 121 patients who did not. All patients were cared for under a standardized perioperative care pathway with comprehensive multimodal analgesia. Differences in patent demographics, surgical factors, length of stay (LOS), opioid consumption, opioid-related side effects and pain scores were compared in bivariable and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: In bivariable analyses, TAP block was associated with a significantly shorter LOS, less postoperative nausea/vomiting and lower opioid consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In multivariable analyses, TAP block was associated with significantly shorter LOS (ß - 12 h, 95% CI (- 22, - 2 h); p = 0.021). Preoperative opioid use was a strong predictive factor for higher opioid consumption in the PACU, opioid use in the first 24 h after surgery and longer LOS. We did not find significant differences in pain scores at any times between the groups. CONCLUSION: TAP block may represent an effective addition to pain management and opioid-reducing strategies and improve outcomes after ALIF/LLIF. Prospective trials are warranted to further explore these associations.

Comparison between two approaches for the transversus abdominis plane block in canine cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the dye distribution following either two lateral abdominal or one lateral abdominal and one subcostal ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) injections of a clinically relevant volume of dye solution in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cadaveric study. ANIMALS: A total of eight canine cadavers. METHODS: On one side of each cadaver, two TAP injections were performed on the lateral aspect of the abdomen (approach LL), caudal to the last rib and cranial to the iliac crest. On the contralateral hemiabdomen, one subcostal (caudal to the costal arch) and one lateral abdominal injection (between last rib and iliac crest), were performed (approach SL). Side allocation was randomly determined. A spinal needle was introduced in-plane to the transducer for each injection of methylene blue (0.25 mL kg-1). All cadavers were dissected to assess dye distribution and number of stained target nerves. RESULTS: All injections were performed in the TAP. The proportion of target nerve staining was 53.5% versus 80.4% with approaches LL and SL, respectively (p = 0.005). Approach LL stained the first lumbar (L1) spinal nerve in 100% of injections and ninth thoracic (T9), T10, T11, T12, T13 and L2 were stained in 0%, 0%, 37.5%, 62.5%, 87.5% and 87.5% of injections, respectively. Approach SL stained T11, L1 and L2 in 100% of injections and T9, T10, T12 and T13 were stained in 37.5%, 87.5%, 75% and 62.5% of injections, respectively. Approach SL resulted in greater staining of nerves cranial to T12 compared with approach LL. The two approaches were equivalent in staining nerves caudal to T12. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Approach SL provided a broader distribution of the injected solution than approach LL, which may result in a larger blocked area in live animals undergoing celiotomy.