ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE (TAP) BLOCK AMONG OPEN APPENDECTOMY PATIENTS AND THE NEED FOR POSTOPERATIVE TRAMADOL FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective:- To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block in open appendectomy patients and determine the subsequent requirement of postoperative tramadol for pain management. Methods:- A randomised controlled trial was conducted at Dr S.N Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with 90 patients who underwent open appendectomy. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A45 patients (TAPblock group) and Group B 45 patients (control group). Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the total requirement of tramadol during the postoperative period was recorded. The primary outcome was the need for postoperative tramadol in the first 24 hours post-surgery, and the secondary outcome was the VAS scores for pain. Results:- Data analysis showed a significant reduction in the VAS scores and postoperative tramadol consumption in Group Acompared to Group B. The group receiving TAPblock had significantly lower pain levels and required less tramadol in the postoperative period. Conclusion:- The use of TAP block as a part of multimodal analgesia in open appendectomy patients significantly reduced postoperative pain and the need for tramadol, suggesting its effectiveness in improving pain management outcomes.