2023, Vol. 6, Issue 3, Part A

Background: Ultrasound-guided lateral Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is an efficient method of providing pain relief in anterior abdominal wall surgeries. However, its efficacy in robotic nephrectomy is uncertain. Our study is aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of lateral TAP block for robotic partial/ radical nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study was done on patients who underwent Robotic nephrectomy (partial and radical).In this Retrospective study, eligible patients were divided into two groups: the IV analgesia group (group 1) and the TAP block group (group 2). In the IV ANALGESIC group, Tramadol 1 mg/Kg IV and Paracetamol 15 mg/Kg IV was given, and the TAP Block group received ultrasound-guided TAP Block with 20ml of 0.375% Ropivacaine. The post-operative VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score, the time of first rescue analgesia, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were noted. Patients were carefully picked up from medical records to avoid any bias.

Results: The group that received ultrasound-guided TAP block had better postoperative analgesia, with a delayed time of first rescue analgesia and a lesser incidence of PONV. Hence, an ultrasound-guided TAP Block provided a better postoperative outcome in terms of pain management.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that patients receiving TAP block had better pain relief. Also, the time requirement for first rescue analgesia was delayed, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was reduced. Hence, TAP block is an effective modality of pain relief in patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.