The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases: a retrospective evaluation of 515 patients

Abstract

Objective To compare patients that received intravenous (i.v.) analgesics with those that received transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients that had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy and divided them into two groups: the i.v. analgesic group (controls; group A) and the TAP block group (group T). Data retrieved from the medical records included postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total hospital stay, additional analgesic requirements and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. Results A total of 515 patients were included (group A, n = 247; group T, n = 268). Postoperative VAS pain scores at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h and the need for additional analgesics were significantly lower in group T than in group A. Postoperative VAS pain scores at 12 and 24 h were significantly higher in group T than in group A. Postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in group T than in group A. The rate of ICU admission in group T was significantly lower than in group A. Conclusions Effective postoperative analgesia can be achieved with TAP block and undesirable effects can be reduced.

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of the thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) and modified-TAPA for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

“…Even though laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, there are studies in the literature that link it to chronic pain; therefore, postoperative pain management is critical in this patient population [2,9,10]. Even though the pain experienced during laparoscopic surgery is less than that experienced during open laparotomy, multiple trocar entry points (peri-and supraumbilical, as well as midabdominal and lateral abdominal) have been the subject of numerous regional pain studies due to somatic and visceral pain [3,11,12].…”

“…Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures and has a short postoperative hospital stay [1]. Even though laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in less postoperative pain than open cholecystectomy, severe pain is a common complaint, particularly in the first 24 hours [2]. Pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy has both somatic and visceral components, and various treatment methods have been tried to alleviate postoperative pain [3].…”

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Combined with Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia on Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In recent years, ultrasound-guided TAPB as an efficient component in multimodal analgesia can provide efficient postoperative analgesia instead of PCIA in LC. 2,[22][23][24][25] However, these studies mainly focused on analgesia for abdominal wall pain after TAPB. Few studies have analyzed the analgesic effect of TAPB on visceral pain.…”

The Effect of Various Combinations of Peripheral Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Comparative Prospective Study

“…In this procedure, a local anesthesia solution is injected into the plane between the obliquus internus and transversus abdominis muscles, exiting the T6 to L1 spinal roots [ 12 , 14 ]. The TAP block is safe; it reduces or eliminates the need for analgesics and has fewer side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting [ 15 ]. Thus, the TAP blocks are considered a good clinical tool for analgesia after abdominal surgery for pain relief.…”