Effectiveness of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block with Bupivacaine for Pain Control after Appendectomy in Children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TAP Block in children appendectomy on the intensity and frequency of pain.Methods & Materials:In a single-blinded clinical trial, 40 children aged 4 to 16, candidate for appendectomy in Children Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. After general anesthesia, patients in the intervention group, had TAP Block with guidance of ultrasonography by bupivacaine 0.25%, 0.25 ml/kg and 1/200000 adrenaline, in the Petit Triangle (Max dose of 20 ml). Pain was recorded in both groups at 24 hours after surgery based on the visual analog scale (VAS score). Software SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis.Results:The mean age of patients in the intervention group was 9.90±2.42 years, and in control group was 10.10±2.31 years. In both groups, 7 patients (35%) were male and 13 patients (65%) were female. The severity of pain according to VAS score, 2 hours after surgery in the intervention group was 5.05±2.83, and in control group was 6.30±2.20. Also the pain intensity, 24 hours after surgery in the intervention group was 3.10±1.33, and in control group was 3.60±1.63. There was no significant difference between intervention and control groups (p>0.05).