Intraoperative direct vision of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block versus ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block for pain control after caesarean section (CS). A randomized controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

espite the effective levels of post-operative analgesia achieved with the use of opioids in combination with NSAIDs and paracetamol following general anesthesia, opioids are associated with substantial complications including nausea, vomiting, sedation, pruritus and respiratory depression in addition to neonatal side effects via opioid transmission through breastfeeding during cesarean section. The aim of this study is to assess pain scores at (rest and movement), and need for opioids following cesarean section using TAP block techniques (USG TAP, intraoperative direct vision TAP). Two hundred and twenty pregnant women underwent elective cesarean section were included in this study (110 received intraoperative direct vision TAP block, and 110 received USG TAP block). Approval from medical ethics committee was obtained, and informed written consent was obtained from all patients. All patients received intrathecal anesthesia with dural puncture at level L3-L4 with administration of 0.5% hyper baric bupivacaine and then surgical technique of cesarean delivery was standardized.