Dexmedetomidine Versus Fentanyl Added to Levobupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Elderly Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgery

One method used in this multimodal approach is the transversus abdominis plane block. This block, as first described by Rafi. in 2001, provides analgesia to the anterolateral abdominal wall. In 2007, McDonnell et al. further studied this technique in patients undergoing large-bowel resection. He discovered a reduction in postoperative pain and morphine consumption in the first 24 hours postoperatively, resulting in fewer opioid mediated side effects. In this same year, Hebbard et al. described the use of ultrasound guidance to provide real-time imaging of the muscle layers and needle placement to improve transversus abdominis plane block accuracy. In 2008, Hebbard. described the subcostal approach of transversus abdominis plane block, to target the nerves of the upper abdomen. Transversus abdominis plane blocks continue to be studied and developed as an effective method for providing analgesia for numerous types of transverses abdominis plane block duration is limited to effect of administered local anesthetics.The use of an infusion catheter to administer local anesthetics is an option to prolong the block's duration. Recently, adjuvant medications were added to local anesthetics to prolong the effect of transverses abdominis plane block .