Plasma ropivacaine concentrations during bilateral transversus abdominis plane infusions

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anaesthetic technique that blocks abdominal wall somatic afferent nerves. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the venous plasma concentrations of ropivacaine during a continuous TAP infusion. METHODS: Twenty patients who were planned to undergo intra-abdominal cavity surgery requiring a mid-line laparotomy incision were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had a history of chronic pain, opioid tolerance, renal or hepatic impairment, or contraindication to study medications. Subjects received a standardized general anaesthetic, and at the completion of surgery, ultrasound-guided subcostal or poste..