The use of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks for total abdominal hysterectomy: a double-blind, controlled trial
Keywords:
“transversus abdominis plane blocksâ€, â€TAP blocksâ€, “ultrasound guidedâ€, “total abdominal hysterectomyâ€, “morphine comsumptionâ€Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. Design, setting and subjects: This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled study. Thirty patients were allocated to two groups; a TAP block group (n = 15) and a placebo group (n = 15). The TAP blocks were performed with 0.25% bupivacaine. The placebo group received sham blocks with normal saline, post induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively, patients received patient-controlled intravenous morphine for analgesia. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was morphine consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were adequacy of pain relief, as assessed by pain scores at 0, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively, and side-effects. Results: Our study showed a significant between-group difference in morphine requirements (5.2 ± 3.9 vs. 9.7 ± 4.3 mg, p = 0.007, and 12.9 ± 8.9 mg vs. 25 ± 12.1 mg, p = 0.006) for the TAP group, compared with the placebo group at six and 24 hours, respectively. There were no significant between-group differences in pain scores. There were no complications with any of the blocks. Conclusion: Bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP blocks significantly reduced postoperative morphine consumption in a multimodal postoperative analgesia regimen for abdominal hysterectomy.Downloads
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2013-10-14
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