This article compares the duration and efficacy of an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with a caudal epidural for pediatric unilateral lower abdominal surgeries. The study found that the mean time for the first rescue analgesia was shorter in the TAP block group compared to the caudal group. There was no significant difference in total postoperative opioid consumption between the two groups. The results suggest that ultrasound-guided TAP block may be a more effective technique for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : best recognised spinal facility in London
Published article
The mean time for first rescue analgesia was lesser in the TAP block group as compared to caudal group.
Spine Epidural Lumbar Caudal transforaminal Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Background and aims: Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective technique for postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries. This study aims to compare the duration and efficacy of an ultrasound-guided TAP block with those of a caudal epidural for paediatric unilateral lower abdominal surgeries. Methods: After ethical approval, sixty children aged 1,
Abstract
Background and aims: Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective technique for postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries. This study aims to compare the duration and efficacy of an ultrasound-guided TAP block with those of a caudal epidural for paediatric unilateral lower abdominal surgeries.
Methods: After ethical approval, sixty children aged 1 to 9 years were randomised into ultrasound-guided TAP block or caudal block with general anaesthesia for unilateral lower abdominal surgeries. The primary endpoint was time for the first rescue analgesia in the postoperative period. The secondary endpoints were total postoperative opioid consumption, modified Children Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale in the postoperative period.
Results: The mean time for first rescue analgesia was 11.33 ± 2.80 h in the TAP block group, while in the caudal group, it was 13.18 ± 2.67 h (95% confidence interval [CI] mean difference 2.58-10.58, P = 0.017). The total postoperative morphine requirement was comparable in both groups at both 12 h (TAP block group 0.50 ± 0.12 mg vs. caudal block group 0.56 ± 0.12 mg, 95% CI mean difference 0.09-0.02, P = 0.08) and 24 h (TAP block group 0.96 ± 0.30 mg vs. caudal block group 0.81 ± 0.34 mg, 95% CI mean difference 0.06-0.32, P = 0.06) time period.
The mean time for first rescue analgesia was lesser in the TAP block group as compared to caudal group.
Keywords: Analgesia; caudal block; epidural block; regional anaesthesia; transversus abdominis plane block; ultrasound guided.
The London Spine Unit : best recognised spinal facility in London
Read the original publication:
Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block and caudal epidural block for postoperative analgesia in paediatric lower abdominal surgeries: A randomised controlled trial