ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDICECTOMY

Background: This study investigates the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block versus traditional analgesics in Laparoscopic appendicectomy patients. It focuses on pain reduction, opioid side effects, and recovery parameters, aiming to improve postoperative care by integrating more precise and safer regional anesthesia techniques.

Methods:This randomized, controlled, double-blinded study at a tertiary care center evaluated the ultrasound-guided TAP blocks analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing Laparoscopicappendicectomy. Adults meeting specific criteria were assigned to receive either the TAP block or standard analgesia. Outcomes measured included postoperative pain intensity, analgesia use, patient satisfaction, recovery metrics, and safety, analyzed via intention-to-treat with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results:Pain scores with movement differed significantly between the groups. Group A had a low mean VAS score of 0.24 (SD 0.44, range 0-1.0), whereas Group B experienced higher discomfort, with a mean score of 1.88 (SD 0.67, range 1.0-4.0). Over time, Group As pain levels remained low, peaking slightly at 0.80 at 12 hours, then decreasing. Conversely, Group Bs pain increased significantly, peaking at 3.24 at 6 hours and gradually reducing to 1.88 by 24 hours. Group A (TAP Block) required fewer analgesics, averaging 1.28 interventions (SD 0.46) versus Group B (Standard), which needed more, averaging 3.48 (SD 0.51).

Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided TAP block reduces pain, analgesic use, and side effects in appendicectomypatients, promising improved recovery outcomes.