THE TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK AS A METHOD OF MULTIMODAL OPIOID-SPARING POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the updated literature on the use of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block as a method of multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia.

Recent findings: Opioid drugs are frequently used to manage postoperative pain. Excessive opioid prescribing may play a role in the current opioid crisis. Therefore, novel opioid-sparing and multimodal approaches to postoperative analgesia are currently desired. The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a form of loco-regional anesthesia of the anterolateral abdominal wall. Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of TAP block for postoperative analgesia following various types of abdominal surgeries. This review discusses the TAP block in the context of opioid-sparing postoperative analgesia in comparison to other methods.

Summary: The TAP block is a safe and reliable technique for postoperative somatic analgesia, with efficacy comparable to other modalities such as epidural, spinal, and regional blocks. However, it does not adequately control visceral pain and is therefore most effective when incorporated into a multimodal analgesic regimen.