Comparing Ultrasound- and Laparoscopic-Guided TAP Blocks in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Baumgartner William C, Richards Fielding M, Arnsberger Brandon J, Sheets Deirdre, Powell John Jr.
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Community Osteopathic Hospital
Hypothesis
Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (UTAP) blocks are more effective than laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane (LTAP) blocks in reducing opioid use and improving postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients.
Conclusion
UTAP blocks demonstrated reduced opioid use compared to LTAP and no TAP, likely due to enhanced accuracy with ultrasound guidance.
Supporting Evidence
- UTAP group had significantly lower median MME within the first 24 h compared to LTAP group.
- Both UTAP and LTAP groups had significantly lower total MME compared to the no TAP group.
- Total anesthesia time was longer for UTAP compared to LTAP.
- LOS was significantly longer in the UTAP group compared to LTAP.
Takeaway
This study found that using ultrasound to guide pain relief injections during stomach surgery helps patients use less pain medicine than other methods.
Methodology
This retrospective cohort study included 1,239 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and compared outcomes between UTAP, LTAP, and no TAP groups.
Potential Biases
Variability in local anesthetic choice and surgeon technique may affect outcomes.
Limitations
The study's retrospective design may introduce selection bias and variability in TAP block administration techniques.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 19-81 years, predominantly female, with a mean BMI of approximately 46.7.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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