Comparison of tap block and epidural block in gynecologic oncology surgeries

Aim: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and epidural analgesia may be helpful in relieving pain after surgical procedures in gynecological malignancies. In this retrospective cohort study, it was aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of TAP block and epidural block in patients operated for gynecological malignancy. Material and Methods: Medical files of 74 patients who underwent surgery for gynecological malignancy were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent gynecologic surgeries. Group I (n=25) received epidural analgesia, Group II (n=25) TAP block, and Group III (n=24) received no additional analgesic procedures. Baseline descriptors, visual analog scale for pain, Ramsay sedation score, operation and ICU length of stay, need for additional medication, and gastrointestinal symptoms were compared between groups. Results: The level of pain relief, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters in the 3 operated groups were mostly similar. In patients <55 years of age, the Ramsay sedation scale was significantly higher 12 hours after surgery. In these patients (<55 years), additional drug use was needed more at the 12th hour. VAS scores at the 1st (p=0.024) and 2nd (p=0.004) hours were also higher in patients with a body mass index of >25. Discussion: Our results showed that TAP block and epidural analgesia provide safe and effective methods for postoperative analgesia in gynecological malignancies.