Subcostal TAP block as analgesic for open cholecystectomy

Abstract

Open Cholecystectomy, is associated with high pain score post op.
TAP block provides effective post op analgesia
Aim
The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of US guided subcostal TAP block for post op pain in open cholecystectomy
Patients were divided into two groups. Thirty patients received subcostal TAP block after commencing GA. Another thirty patients did not receive the block.
Post operative pain was recorded in both groups , so as any possible complications like nausea and vomiting .
We found that subcostal TAP block is effective , simple , and reliable as analgesia in open cholecystectomy post operatively
Patients and Methods
A total of 60 patients undergoing emergency and elective cholecystectomy were allocated into two groups : U/S guided subcostal TAP block , the A group , and the non TAP block group , the B group. All patients received same general anaesthesia drugs and technique.The A group received subcostal TAP block 5 minutes before starting surgery , a total of 20 ml , 10 ml 1% lidocaine and 10 ml 0,25% bupivacaine Rescue post op analgesia was in the form of I.V tramal and diclofenac.
Pain score was recorded post op , using VAS ( Visual Analogue Score ). Results
Group A ( 30 patients ) , received subcostal TAP block 5 minutes prior to starting surgery , and Group B ( 30 patients ) did not received TAP block. Post op pain score recorded in both groups , and showed pain score 0-2 in group A , and 6-8 in group B which received rescue analgesia
Conclusion
Subcostal TAP block is effective analgesic technique with opioid –sparing effect in open cholecystectomy post operatively