Transversus abdominis plane block.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since the publication of original work on the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, the translation of the research into clinical practice has resulted in some 146 articles being published in peer-reviewed journals. However, there continues to be controversies over the best approach to be used. The introduction of ultrasound should have aided the development of this block, but in fact it has caused more questions to be asked. There are a number of reviews of the block already published, but were they published too early and what is our current understanding of the TAP block and its mechanisms of action?

RECENT FINDINGS

The TAP block continues to develop. We now understand that the TAP block is a multifaceted block, working with both localized field effects as well as distal effects due to a distant spread of local anesthetic. Recent research would suggest that the location of needle tip placement causes variation in the block characteristics obtained. The more anterior approaches adopted for use since the introduction of ultrasound might be better described as RAFI (regional abdominal field infiltration) blocks.

SUMMARY

The TAP block, in all its guises, is an effective analgesic tool, but what is the best approach? Randomized controlled trials comparing the TAP/RAFI blocks to epidural based analgesia are required.