Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block With Different Bupivacaine Concentrations in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery: A Prospective Randomised Double-Blinded Study

Brief Summary

Detailed Description

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a safe and effective analgesia technique for paediatric patients. This study is designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of different bupivacaine concentrations in paediatric patients undergoing ultrasound-guided TAP blocks for unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery. Seventy-four patients aging between 1 and 8 years, undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia surgery, were enrolled for this study after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval and written informed consents from parents or legal guardians (2016/1281). Group 1 (n:37) received 1 mg/kg bupivakain 0.25% and Group 2 (n: 37) received 1 mg/kg bupivakain 0.125% for ultrasound-guided TAP block following standard general anaesthesia induction. All patients received remifentanil 0,1 μg/kg/h infusion and paracetamol 15 mg/kg intraoperatively, and paracetamol 4x15 mg/kg per day postoperatively. FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) behavioral pain assessment scale was used for evaluating patients' postoperative pain levels at 15-, 30-, 45-minute and 1-, 2-, 6-, 24-hour. Tramadol 1 mg/kg was administered intravenously as rescue analgesic when FLACC score was ≥4. Total analgesic requirement, length of hospital stay and side effects were recorded.

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

• Total analgesic requirement(up to 24 hours)
• First analgesic requirement time(up to 24 hours)
• Incidence of side effects(up to 24 hours)
• The length of hospital stay(up to 24 hours)
• Incidence of complications(up to first week.)