Open transversus abdominis plane block and analgesic requirements in patients following right hemicolectomy

Reducing exogenously administered opioids in the post-operative period is associated with early return of bowel function and decreased post-operative complication rates. We evaluated the effectiveness of a surgeon-delivered open transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block as a method to reduce post-operative opioid requirements, sedation and inpatient stay.

The patient cohort was identified from those who had undergone a right hemicolectomy for colonic cancer. Patients received either an open TAP block and post-operative patient controlled anaesthesia (PCA) ( n =20) or were part of a control group who received subcutaneous local anaesthetic infiltration and PCA ( n =16).

PCA morphine use was reduced within the first 24 hours post-operatively in the TAP block group compared with controls (42.1mg vs 72.3mg, p =0.002). Sedation was also reduced significantly in the early post-operative period (p <0.04). There was a non-significant trend towards reduced length of stay in the intervention group (8.2 vs 8.73 days). There were no recorded complications attributable to the open TAP block.

Open TAP blocks are safe and reduce post-operative opioid requirements and sedation after right hemicolectomies. They should be considered as part of a multimodal enhanced recovery approach to patients undergoing abdominal surgery via a transverse incision.