Transversus abdominis plane block does not provide additional benefit to multimodal analgesia in gynecological cancer surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a recently described technique involving injecting local anesthetic between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis layers of the abdominal wall. It has been shown to be effective in reducing morphine consumption and improving postoperative pain relief in several clinical settings. METHODS: We performed a randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing bilateral ultrasoundguided TAP blocks (2 ×20 mL 0.5% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline) in adult female patients undergoing midline laparotomy for known or presumed gynecological malignancy. Both groups received multimodal IV analgesia. The primary outcomes for the study were defined as ..