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Efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Techniques in Coloproctology volume 24, pages 787–802 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia is a key component of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for postoperative pain management. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has contributed to the implementation of this approach in different kinds of surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TAP block and its impact on recovery in colorectal surgery.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted. Studies that compared TAP block to a control group (no TAP block or placebo) after colorectal resections were included. The effects of TAP block in patients undergoing colorectal surgery were assessed, including the technical aspects of the procedure. Two measures were used to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative pain control: a numeric pain rating score at rest and on coughing or movement at 24 h following surgery and the opioid requirement at 24 h. Clinical aspects of recovery were postoperative ileus, surgical site infection, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in the analysis. Data showed that TAP block is a safe procedure associated with a significant reduction in the pain score at rest [WMD − 0.91 (95% CI − 1.56; − 0.27); p < 0.05] and on coughing or movement [WMD − 0.36 (95% CI − 0.72; − 0.01); p < 0.05] at 24 h after surgery and a significant decrease in morphine consumption in the TAP block group the day after surgery [WMD − 2.07 (95% CI − 2.63; − 1.51); p < 0.001].

Conclusions

TAP block appears to provide both an effective analgesia and a significant reduction in opioid use on the first postoperative day after colorectal surgery. Its use does not seem to lead to increased postoperative complications.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    R. Peltrini & F. Corcione

  2. Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    V. Cantoni & R. Green

  3. Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    P. A. Greco & L. Bucci

  4. Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    M. Calabria

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  1. R. Peltrini
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  2. V. Cantoni
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Peltrini, R., Cantoni, V., Green, R. et al. Efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tech Coloproctol 24, 787–802 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-020-02206-9

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Keywords

  • Transversus abdominis plane block
  • TAP block
  • Colorectal surgery
  • Postoperative pain
  • Postoperative analgesia