Transversus abdominis plane block with ropivacaine provides effective analgesiain patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy

Abstract

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides a novel approach for analgesia in abdominal surgery by blocking the sensory nerve supply of the anterior abdominal wall. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TAP block with ropivacaine in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).
Materials and Methods: 60 adult patients of ASA Grade 1 and 2 undergoing elective TAH were randomized into two groups in this double blind study. All patients received a standard general anaesthetic and before the surgical incision, a bilateral TAP block using the landmark technique was performed with 15 to 20 mlof 0.375% ropivacaine (maximum dose 3mg/kg) (Group R) or saline (Group C). Assessment of hemodynamic parameters and requirement of vecuronium and opioids was noted intraoperatively. Postoperative assessment of pain was performed at regular intervals using visual analog scale (VAS) and categorical pain score (CPS), and total analgesics administered over 48 hrs were noted.