TAP Blocks Reduce Pain for Ambulatory Laparoscopic Procedures

Performing a transversus abdominis plane block on patients undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic procedures can reduce pain, decrease opioid consumption and provide earlier discharge readiness in patients, according to a study published in the Sept. 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.

The researchers enrolled 75 healthy women undergoing outpatient gynecological laparoscopy and randomly assigned the patients to either a preoperative TAP block using saline, ropivacaine 0.25 percent or ropivacaine 0.5 percent. Needle placement for the TAP blocks was performed using ultrasound guidance, and 15 mL of the study solution was injected bilaterally by a blinded investigator.

The researchers measured QoR-40 score and analgesic use 24 hours after surgery. The study found that TAP blocks with ropivacaine 0.25 and 0.5 percent reduced pain and provided an effective adjunct in a multimodal analgesic strategy.

Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Patient Education Tool: Coloring & Activity Book for Children About Anesthesia and Surgery
Teva Loses $144M Damages Claim to Baxter, Must Compensate Infected Patient $500M
Ritalin Could Help Patients Recover From Anesthesia

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Webinars

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Podcast