Camera-Guided versus Ultrasound- Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block following Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Retrospective Study

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of Laparoscopic Camera-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (LAP-TAP) block with Ultrasound- Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (US-TAP) block. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain alleviation. The length of hospitalization (LOS), the operation length, analgesics need, and patient satisfaction were secondary outcomes. Background: Achieving effective postoperative pain control remains a significant challenge and is crucial for promoting quick recovery and ensuring patient satisfaction. The US-TAP block is an _established technique for postoperative pain, while LAP-TAP method represents an emerging alternative worth exploring. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 90 laparoscopic procedures’ patients were examined. Whether had US-TAP block or LAP-TAP block. Each group was given 25 milliliters of a 0.25% bupivacaine solution with 1:200,000 epinephrine. Results: The LAP-TAP group had significant shorter operating room times comparing the US-TAP group (131.36 ± 50.04 minutes vs. 151.2 ± 49.38 minutes, p=0.043). Analgesic consumption was comparable in both groups. Pain scores were similar at most time. However, at 6 hours postoperatively (D0), the LAP-TAP group showed slightly lower pain scores (2.89 ± 1.21 vs. 3.20 ± 1.46, p=0.294), and at 12 hours, the difference was significant statistically (2.93 ± 0.72 vs. 3.33 ± 1.11, p=0.029). No significant differences for pain scores were observed on postoperative days 1 and 2. Conclusion: After laparoscopic procedures, both LAP-TAP and US-TAP blocks offer equivalent recovery results and efficient postoperative pain management. On the other hand, LAP-TAP might have benefit of shorter surgical times.