Key result
Erector spinae plane block and transversus abdominis plane block provided similar analgesia with no significant difference in median tramadol consumption (75 mg vs 100 mg, p=0.109) in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section.
Why the study?
TAP block provides somatic analgesia postoperatively in cesarean sections, but ESP block has shown to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia.
Does ESP block reduce PCA tramadol consumption compared to TAP block in pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section?
RCT (n=50)
Double-blind
Computer-generated random number table
No
Does ESP block reduce PCA tramadol consumption compared to TAP block in pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section?
Absolute Event Rate: 75% vs 100%
p-value: p=0.109
TAP and ESP blocks provide similar analgesia and tramadol consumption in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section.
TAP and ESP blocks yield equivalent post-cesarean analgesia; confirms neither superior for opioid sparing or pain scores in this RCT.
Introduction: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides somatic analgesia postoperatively in cesarean sections, however erector spinae plane (ESP) block has shown to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia. Objective: To compare the efficacy of TAP and ESP blocks for pain control after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods: In a double-blind superiority trial, pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section were randomized into either bilateral TAP or ESP block groups. Primary outcome was total consumption of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included time required for first rescue analgesia, post-surgery visual analog score (VAS) for pain, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Results: 50 pregnant patients were randomized into TAP and ESP blocks. There was no difference in the amount of PCA tramadol within the first 24 hours between both groups [100mg (63,125) in TAP group vs 75mg (38,100) ESP group]. Pain score at rest and on movement and patient satisfaction were comparable in both groups, with no difference in adverse effects. There was a slight difference in the median time for first rescue analgesia [210min (135,315) in TAP group and 270min (225,405) ESP group] (p=0.03). Conclusion: TAP and ESP blocks provide similar analgesia with comparable consumption of tramadol in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section and no difference in pain scores at rest/on movement.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Reddy et al. (2023) conducted an RCT in Postoperative pain after cesarean section (n=50). Erector spinae plane (ESP) block vs. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was evaluated on Total consumption of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol in the first 24 hours (p=0.109). Erector spinae plane block and transversus abdominis plane block provided similar analgesia with no significant difference in median tramadol consumption (75 mg vs 100 mg, p=0.109) in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: