Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Analgesia in Renal Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Freir NM, Murphy C, et al.Anesthesia and Analgesia, 115(4): 953-957, 2012.
Aims
To evaluate the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAP blocks) for analgesia in patients undergoing renal transplantation.
Interventions
Levobupivacaine 0.375% 20 ml TAP block versus sham block with 20 ml 0.9% saline. During the operation, all patients were given a standard general anesthetic technique with intravenous acetaminophen, morphine and ondansetron. After the operation, all patients were given a morphine patient controlled analgesia for 24 hours in addition to oral acetaminophen every 6 hours.
Participants
65 renal transplant recipients.
Outcomes
The primary endpoint was total morphine consumption for 24 hours after renal transplantation. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, the incidence of nausea or vomiting, excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
Follow-up
24 hours post-transplant
CET Conclusions
In this small but well designed controlled trial, transversus abdominis plane block for analgesia in renal transplantation was compared with the injection of normal saline, the anaesthetist and nursing staff being blinded to which agent was injected. The addition of a TAP block to the normal general anaesthetic regimen and analgesia regimen did not confer any additional benefit in morphine requirements or pain scores in the first 24 hours after operation.
Data analysis
Strict intention-to-treat analysis
Trial registration
Not reported