A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing laparoscopic IPOM plus.

INTRODUCTION

Ventral hernia repairs, particularly laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR), have become common procedures among general surgeons worldwide. Despite the benefits of LVHR, acute postoperative pain remains a significant concern. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been employed to alleviate postoperative pain in various laparoscopic procedures. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic-guided TAP block in laparoscopic IPOM plus and its impact on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care center in India involving 72 patients undergoing laparoscopic IPOM plus. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group I received laparoscopic-guided TAP block, while Group II received standard general anesthesia without TAP block. Pain scores were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively using the numerical rating scale. Postoperative analgesic requirements were also recorded.

RESULTS

Group I demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at 6 and 24 h postoperatively compared to Group II. The need for additional analgesics was significantly lower in Group I (13.8%) compared to Group II (72.2%). There were no significant differences in age, BMI, duration of surgery, or other demographic characteristics between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this randomized controlled trial demonstrate the effectiveness of laparoscopic-guided TAP blocks in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirements after laparoscopic IPOM plus.