ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK AFTER LOWER SEGMENT CESAREAN SECTION UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA
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Keywords
TAP block, cesarean section, postoperative pain, spinal anesthesia
Abstract
Introduction: Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) is a major surgical procedure often associated with significant postoperative pain. Effective pain management is essential for early recovery and infant care, but systemic opioids, and traditional analgesics, have potential side effects. Over the previous years transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has emerged as a safe and effective means of analgesia for a number of different abdominal surgeries. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TAP block following LSCS under spinal anesthesia.
Methods: This prospective, observational study included 60 parturients (ASA I-II) undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group T (n=30) received ultrasound-guided TAP block with 0.2% ropivacaine, while Group S (n=30) received systemic analgesics. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at multiple intervals. The primary outcome was the time to first analgesic request, and secondary outcomes included total tramadol consumption, pain scores, nausea, sedation, and maternal satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Ver. 20.0.
Results: The mean time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in Group T (9.53 hours) compared to Group S (4.1 hours, p=0.0163). Total tramadol consumption was significantly lower in Group T (140 mg) than Group S (246.66 mg, p<0.001). Group T demonstrated lower VAS scores, reduced nausea, and higher maternal satisfaction (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAP block with 0.2% ropivacaine is an effective and safe postoperative analgesic technique following LSCS, reducing opioid requirements and enhancing patient satisfaction.
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Pareesa Rashid
Senior Resident, Department of Anesthesiology, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Srinagar, India
Nidha Rasool
Senior Resident, Department of Anesthesiology, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, India
Raja Suhail Shounthoo
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, SKIMS, Srinagar, India