Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Ultrasonography-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Ultrasonography-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, whereby local anesthetic is injected between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis fascia to facilitate blockade of somatic afferents nerves, is an effective, non-narcotic adjunct incorporated into many ERAS protocols. We hypothesized that surgeon delivered LAP-TAPs would be non-inferior to anesthesia-delivered US-TAPs in terms of post-operative pain control

Inclusion Criteria:

Elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy aging > 18years BMI > 40 kg/m2, ASA score I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

history of chronic opioid consumption suffering from contraindications to regional blocks suffering from allergy to study drugs, history of prior complex abdominal wall reconstruction