The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia after the cesarean section performed under general anesthesia

OBJECTIVE: Several methods are used to control the pain after cesarean operations. Recently, the transverse abdominis plane block (TAP) has been proposed to compensate for the problems developed by preexisting methods. In the present study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of the TAP block after caesarean section in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial. METHODS: In this study, thirty patients undergoing cesarean sections under general anesthesia were divided into two groups. Patients in Group T (n=15) on whom TAP Block with USG guidance was performed using 0.25% bupivacaine totally 60 ml. The patients in Group C were administered (n=15), 0.9% NaCl totally 60 ml (30 ml at each side) with USG guidance. Post-operative demand of meperidine using a patient-controlled analgesia device was recorded. RESULTS: First time on the need for analgesia were significantly higher in the control group (Group C). The total dose of meperidine, tenoxicam, paracetamol used for analgesia was significantly higher in the Group C. The outset times of breastfeeding and mobilization did not change between the groups. CONCLUSION: The USG-TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 60 ml (30 ml on each side) significantly reduced post-operative pain in patients undergoing the cesarean section. We think that TAP block is a comfortable and feasible method which reduces post-operative analgesia need and does not lead any serious complications.