Ultrasound-assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

nguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population. Using optimal analgesic regimens provide safe and effective analgesia, reduce postoperative stress response and accelerate recovery from surgery. Regional anesthetic techniques are commonly used to facilitate pain control in pediatric surgical procedures. One of the most commonly used techniques in pediatrics is TAP block. Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of surgery has been one of the most commonly used modalities for postoperative pain relief. This study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound guided TAP block compared with wound infiltration during the first 24 h after surgery in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded and controlled study was conducted on Sixty Children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair at Pediatric surgery department at Children's Ain Shams University Hospital, after approval of the medical ethical committee. Sixty children were assessed preoperatively in the form of evaluation of their medical history, physical examination, their laboratory investigations and for fulfilling the inclusion