Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetric Anesthesia
• Regional Anesthesia

Background:

• Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is effective for post-operative analgesia.
• Surgical TAP block is a novel technique suitable for obese patients.
• Comparison of surgical and ultrasound-guided TAP blocks in obese pregnant women undergoing cesarean section is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the applicability, efficacy, and complications of surgical TAP block versus ultrasound-guided TAP block.
• To evaluate post-operative analgesia in obese pregnant women following cesarean section under general anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-five obese pregnant women (BMI >30) were randomized into two groups: ultrasound-guided TAP block (UT group, n=38) and surgical TAP block (ST group, n=37).
• Data collected included Visual Analogue Scale scores, time to first analgesic requirement, total analgesic consumption, side effects, complications, and patient satisfaction.
• Block procedure duration was also recorded.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in Visual Analogue Scale scores, time to first analgesic, or total analgesic consumption between the ST and UT groups.
• Block procedure durations were 7 minutes for ST and 10 minutes for UT.
• Minor side effects like itching and nausea were reported in a small number of patients in both groups, with no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• Surgical TAP block is a safe and effective alternative for post-operative analgesia in obese pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section.
• Both surgical and ultrasound-guided TAP blocks provide similar efficacy and safety profiles in this patient population.
• The study supports the use of surgical TAP block when ultrasound guidance is challenging in obese patients.