Laparoscopic vs Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block vs Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic in Pediatrics

Laparoscopic vs Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block vs Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic in Pediatrics Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic -assisted, ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block and laparoscopic intraperitoneal instillation of local anesthetic in pediatrics undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Inguinal hernia is one of the most common pediatric surgeries. Effective and safe pain management causes fewer side effects and enables faster hospital discharge. It is also important in overcoming chronic pain in the late postoperative period.

Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) has emerged as a safe, simple, and inexpensive modality incorporated into many enhanced recovery pathways to achieve narcotic-sparing analgesia after bariatric surgery. TAPB was first performed through the lumbar triangle of Petit in 2001. Since that time, both ultrasound-guided (US) and laparoscopic (LAP) TAPBs have been developed to aid in proper identification of the correct plane and minimize peritoneal penetration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 2 months to 7 years old
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II.
• Schedule for elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with history of allergy.
• Hepatic and renal failure.
• Previous inguinal surgery.
• Block contraindications (e.g., infection at the site of block, bleeding disorder, or abnormalities of the sacrum).