Transversus abdominis plane block: The new horizon for postoperative analgesia following abdominal surgery

Post operative pain management is the key factor to decide the outcome of the patient. TAP block is relatively newer method for management of postoperative pain after abdominal surgery. Technique involves the injection of local anesthesia into the plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle and thus giving pain relief. The technique when performed under ultrasound guidance improves the yield. TAP block provides good analgesia between T10 and L1 level hence very useful for lower abdominal and gynecological procedures. This significantly reduces the analgesic requirement in postoperative period and hence reduces the side effects of analgesics.