Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Continuous Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Lower Abdominal Surgeries
Introduction: The effect of a single transverse abdominis plane(TAP) block is not durable, and its analgesic efficacy lasts less than 24 hr. Thus, continuous transverse abdominis plane block by placing the catheter into the transverse abdominal plane and infusing local anaesthetic drugs continuously or intermittently through the catheter were used. This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound guided continuous TAP block in comparison with conventional TAP block for lower abdominal surgeries. Material and methods: There were 60 patients in the study, allocated to continuous TAP and control groups. parameters measured were pain scores on a visual analog scale (VAS) at various time interval. patients satisfaction were recorded in continuous TAP block group along with its complications related to the block. Results: Preoperative pain score was 1 for 2 patients of continuous TAP group and 6 patients of conventional block group. Preoperative pain score was 2 for 13 patients of continuous TAP group and11 patients of conventional block group. Preoperative pain score was 3 for 15 patients of continuous TAP group and 13 patients of conventional block group. Conclusion: The anatomical approach of Continuous TAP block is also very safe and reasonably effective. Ultrasound-guided Continuous TAP block reduced postoperative rest and movement pain and analgesic requirements after lower abdominal surgeries and was more effective than conventional block.