The efficacy of TAP block versus ilioinguinal block for post-cesarean section pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Controversy still exists regarding the analgesic efficacy of transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block versus ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric (IL/IH) nerve block for postoperative pain management following cesarean section. This meta-analysis aimed to perform relatively credible pooled results on the efficacy of the TAP versus IL/IH nerve block for postoperative pain management after cesarean section. METHODS: Databases such as: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google scholar, and google were systematically searched. studies compared the analgesic efficacy of TAP versus IL/IH nerve block for postoperative pain management following cesarean section were included. Data were extracted by three reviewers independently by using Microsoft Excel and then exported to STATA™ 16 version statistical software for analysis. We used a random-effects model meta-analysis and the mean difference of analgesic efficacy with a 95 ​% confidence interval was reported based on Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). RESULTS: Five studies with a total of 390 (196 in TAP and 194 in IL/IH) study participants were included in this meta-analysis. No statistically significant difference was observed between the TAP and IL/IH groups in time to first rescue analgesic request, total postoperative analgesic consumption in milligrams of intravenous tramadol equivalence, and post pain severity score at different points of time both rest and movement. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that both approaches have similar postoperative analgesic efficacy following cesarean section. we recommend that the clinician may consider either approach for post-cesarean section pain management.