The efficacy of transversalis fascia plane block in pediatric inguinal herniotomy: a randomized controlled study

Objective:The post-operative analgesic efficacy of transversalis fascia plane (TFP) block is controversial in pediatric patients undergoing herniotomy.This study aims to compare the efficacy of TFP block and standard analgesic methods.Method: Sixty patients aged 1-8 years who underwent the open procedure of herniotomy were randomly divided into two groups TFP block (n = 30) or control group (n = 30).The TFP group received 0.25% bupivacaine at 0.5 mL/kg.Routine analgesia protocol was applied to Group C. Pain scores (FLACC), family satisfaction, block complications, nausea, sedation score, and additional analgesic requirements were recorded.Results: FLACC pain scores at post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), 1 st , 2 nd , and 4 th h were statistically significantly lower in Group TFP compared to group control (p < 0.05).Three patients in Group TFP and 12 in group control required rescue analgesics at PACU (p = 0.015).Ibuprofen was required in two patients in Group TFP and 11 in Group Control (p = 0.010).Parental satisfaction is higher in the TFP group than in Group Control (p < 0.001).There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of post-operative nausea and sedation scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion:We conclude that TFP block in pediatric patients is an appropriate approach as a part of multimodal analgesia.It creates fewer pain scores in the early post-operative period, requires less additional analgesia, and increases family satisfaction.