Ultrasound-assisted transversus abdominis plane block vs wound infiltration in pediatric patient with inguinal hernia: randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and wound infiltration during the first postoperative 24hours.

DESIGN

A prospective, observer-blinded, randomized, and controlled study

SETTING

Operating room of a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty patients received a TAP block (TAP group) and 40 patients received wound infiltration (INF group) at the end of the surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive a TAP block or wound infiltration. Postoperative analgesics were administered on request and selected based on pain severity.

MEASUREMENTS

Pain scores, analgesic drug requirement, and side effects were observed for 24hours.

MAIN RESULTS

Postoperative pain scores were lower in TAP group compared to INF group (P<.001). Analgesic consumption was significantly higher at the 5th minute and 1st, 6th, and 12th hours in the INF group (P<.001). The frequency of additional analgesic use in home and the total analgesic used during the postoperative 24hours were significantly higher in INF group (P<.001). Side effects were lower in the TAP group. Parent's satisfaction scores were higher in TAP group.

CONCLUSION

Transversus abdominis plane block is effective method with convenient technique, drug dosage, and volume in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.