Laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided visualization of transversus abdominis plane blocks
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Feb 2021 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Randomized trial comparing laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided TAP blocks in 50 pediatric patients found equivalent pain control and block accuracy between techniques. Laparoscopic approach was significantly faster (2.1 vs 7.9 minutes), potentially reducing OR time while maintaining clinical efficacy.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
Ultrasound-guided (US) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly utilized as part of a multi-modal approach for postoperative pain management. This study seeks to determine whether laparoscopic-guided TAP blocks are as effective as US-guided TAP blocks among pediatric patients.
Method
In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures were randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms: US-guided TAP block (US-arm) or laparoscopic-guided TAP block (LAP-arm). Primary outcome was PACU pain scores. Secondary outcomes included PACU opioid consumption, block completion time and block accuracy.
Results
Twenty-five patients were enrolled in each arm. In the LAP-arm, 59% of blocks were in the transversus abdominis plane compared to 74% of TAP blocks in the US-arm (p = 0.18). Blocks were completed faster in the LAP-arm (2.1 ± 1.9 vs. 7.9 ± 3.4 min, p<0.001). The average highest PACU pain score was 3.4 ± 3.1 for the LAP-arm and 4.3 ± 3.8 for the US-arm (p = 0.37). Overall PACU pain scores and opioid consumption were similar between the groups (1.2 ± 1.3 vs. 1.6 ± 1.6, p = 0.24; 2.2 ± 5.8 vs. 0.9 ± 1.4MME, p = 0.26).
Conclusion
Laparoscopic TAP blocks have equivalent efficacy in post-operative pain scores, narcotic use, and tissue plane accuracy as compared to US-guided TAP blocks. They are also completed faster and may result in less operating room and general anesthetic time for the pediatric patient.