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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy
Published on: June 25, 2013
Analgesic Efficacy of Nerve Blocks After Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review
Peter M Vonu1, Paul Campbell1, Noah Prince2
1University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Background:
A variety of regional nerve blocks have been utilized in abdominoplasty procedures, including transversus abdominis plane (TAP), intercostal, rectus sheath (RS), pararectus + ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric, quadratus lumborum, and paravertebral blocks. No consensus exists regarding the most effective nerve block modality in optimizing postprocedural comfort levels.
Objectives:
The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the efficacy of the various abdominal nerve blocks employed in abdominoplasty surgery and to draw attention to any modality that may be superior in regards to effectiveness and/or administration.
Methods:
Utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review was performed to identify studies that have employed regional nerve blocks in abdominoplasty procedures. Opioid consumption, pain scores, time to ambulation, time in the recovery room, and time to first analgesia request were extracted when available.
Results:
A total of 191 articles were reviewed, of which 8 met inclusion criteria. The nerve blocks represented included TAP, RS, pararectus + ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric, intercostal, and quadratus lumborum. All modalities were effective in reducing opioid consumption except quadratus lumborum.
Conclusions:
TAP, RS, pararectus + ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric, and intercostal regional nerve blocks have been shown to optimize postoperative pain management in abdominoplasty procedures. The existing literature suggests that when studied against one another, TAP is more efficacious than RS and pararectus + ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric. When ultrasound guidance is unavailable, consideration should be given to TAP employing the direct visualization approach.
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