Analgesic Effect of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block for Abdominal Surgery: Comparison with Standard Post Operative Care

Abstract

Objective: To compare post operative pain in patients undergoing TAP block with that of
standard post operative care in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Material & Methods: Fifty patients (21 males, 29 females) with ASA class I and II undergoing
abdominal surgery were included in the study. Half of the patients selected through randomization
received TAP block using landmark technique at the end of surgery under anaesthesia. The
remaining half received standard post operative analgesia with nalbuphine and diclofenac
sodium injections. All patients were questioned regarding the degree of analgesia on a Pakistan
Coin Pain Scale till 12 hours post operatively. Use of analgesics was compared in the two groups
postoperatively.
Results: The degree of pain was significantly lower in patients receiving TAP block compared
with standard postoperative care (mean score 06 vs 16 p<0.05). The quantity of nalbuphine (0.32
vs 4.08 p<0.01) and diclofenac sodium (9.0 vs 63 p<0.01) were significantly reduced in patients
receiving TAPblock compared with standard post operative care.
Conclusion: Transversus abdominis plane block provides effective post operative analgesia
and is associated with markedly reduced analgesic consumption