Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
[Ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block in early infancy]
Chie Matsuda1, Kazuya Tachibana, Masashi Fujii
1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Izumi 594-1101.
Abstract:
We retrospectively examined the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block performed in 8 infants (range, 1-115 days) from July 2010 to March 2011. Ultrasound images clearly visualized the fascial plane between the transversus abdominis and the internal oblique muscle and it was possible to confirm proper administration of local anesthetics into the plane in all patients. Complications resulting from opioid overdose were noted in two cases. One infant required reintubation. Another infant developed delayed emergence from anesthesia. We should tailor the dose of systemic opioid, considering the fact that the simultaneous administration of nerve block and systemic opioids may cause sedation and respiratory depression in young infants.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...

