Effect of the transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative pain and recovery in patients with hepatic echinococcosis

OBJECTIVES: Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) is a severe parasitic disease that occurs worldwide, and radical surgery is the recommended therapy. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of using a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block during surgery on postoperative pain and recovery of patients with HE under the guidelines of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients from the Tibetan plateau who underwent surgery for treatment of HE by the same surgeons under the guidance of ERAS were included in the present study. A TAP block was conducted before closing the abdominal cavity. RESULTS: The consumption of sufentanil was significantly lower in patients of the TAP than control group. Patients had a significantly shorter time to first flatus in the TAP than control group. Other parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the TAP block could reduce the consumption of analgesic medication and promote recovery of patients from the Tibetan plateau under the guidance of an ERAS protocol.