European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Nociceptive pain is often regarded as the key feature of acute post- operative pain. Laparotomy is a major surgical procedure which is associated with substantial post operative discomfort and moderate to severe pain postoperatively. Aims: This prospective observational study was undertaken to compare the analgesic effect of TAP block and Local infiltration of incision site in patients undergoing laparotomy. Materials and Methods: 100 patients of ASAI and ASAII undergoing laparotomy were enrolled for the study to receive either TAP block with 40ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine (20ml on each side) or local infiltration with 40ml of 0.2%  Ropivacaine around the wound. Patient’s VAS score, requirement for rescue analgesia, hemodynamic parameters and any side effects were noted for 48 hours. Results: Patients receiving TAP block had significantly lower VAS scores and requirement for rescue analgesia. However the hemodynamic parameters and side effects were comparable between the 2 groups. Conclusion: TAP block is significantly better for analgesia in patients undergoing laparotomy compared to local infiltration in the setting of a multimodal analgesic regimen without increasing the side effects.