Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Infiltration of Local Anaesthetic into Surgical Wound In Emergency Laparotomies: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare mean pain score of bilateral TAP block versus infiltration of local anaesthetic into surgical wound on for emergency laparotomies.
Method: Randomized control trial. Emergency Operation Theatre in Department of Anaesthesiology at Mayo Hospital, Lahore from 1st April 2016 to 31st October 2016. Laparotomy 150 patients were arbitrarily allocated two groups Group T (receiving bilateral TAP block) and Group L (local infiltration) by random number table method after informed consent. TAP block was administered bilaterally by using 20ml of 0.25% bupivacaine in group T using a 21-gauge needle with the help of “Double Pop Technique” at midaxillary point at height of umbilicus. While in group L surgical incision site was injected with 20ml of 0.25% bupivacaine immediately after closure of skin. Pain was evaluated by Visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6-hour interval postoperatively. Results were statistically analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and t-test was applied to compare mean pain score of two groups.
Results: Mean pain score in patients receiving bilateral TAP block 3.000±0.717 were significantly reduced (p value 0.003) versus mean scores in patients receiving infiltration of local anaesthetic into surgical wound in emergency laparotomies 6.08±1.171.
Conclusion: Bilateral TAP block reduced post-operative pain significantly in patients undergone emergency laparotomy.