Effectiveness of Transverse Abdominins Plane (TAP) Block for Postoperative Pain management Following Cesarean Sections Among Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain is a common and distressing symptom experienced by patients undergoing cesarean sections. A multimodal approach is currently recommended for pain management. Transverse Abdominins Plane (TAP) Block is an effective method of treating postoperative pain and it is commonly used in many lower abdominal surgeries. Its use after cesarean section is new and fewer studies are available.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of TAP block for postoperative pain management following cesarean section.

Methods: A prospective observational and comparative study conducted in our hospital during the period from April 2022 to  January 2023, included a total of 76 patients aged 20-35 years who were undergone elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were assigned into two equal groups; TAP block group to whom TAP block was applied according to their request. The second group as control, were managed postoperatively with conventional analgesics. Usage of TAP Block was according to the accepted clinical and anesthesia standards.  Postoperative pain assessment was done by using Pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).  Data analyzed with SPSS version 27 at P. value level of significance of 0.05.

Results: Comparison of postoperative pains scores at different time points revealed that at one, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours, the NRS scale was significantly lower in TAP block group compared to control group, (P <0.001). Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was lower in TAP block group.

Conclusions: Ultrasound guided Transverse Abdominins Plane (TAP) Block was safe and effective modality and superior to conventional analgesia for management of postoperative pain following cesarean sections among Iraqi women. It reduced significantly the incidence of PONV and the need for rescue opioids