TAP block vs. wound infiltration for abdominal surgery pain

Abdominal surgeries often cause significant postoperative pain, affecting recovery and quality of life. Techniques like transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and wound infiltration are used for pain control, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted accordingly to PRISMA guidelines to compare TAP block versus wound infiltration for postoperative pain control in abdominal surgeries. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases using a high sensitivity search strategy. Retrieved randomized clinical trials were screened by title, abstract and full text. In addition, statistical analysis was conducted using a random effects model, focusing on pain scores at 24h after abdominal surgical procedures.

A total of 573 studies was retrieved, resulting in 15 randomized clinical trials included in this systematic review and meta-analysis after screening. A random effects model was applied to assess the pain between the TPA and control group. Mean difference (MD) result favored the TPA group (MD: -1.11 (95% CI: -1.75 to -0.47), p = 0.0007). However, a notable heterogeneity was present among the results (I2 = 97%, p < 0.00001).

This meta-analysis shows the TAP block is more effective than wound infiltration for reducing postoperative pain in abdominal surgeries. Despite high heterogeneity, TAP block improves pain management and may enhance patient recovery and quality of life. Further research is needed to confirm these results.