Ultrasound/Laparoscopic Camera-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Renal Transplant Donors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Guner Can M, Goz R, et al.Annals of Transplantation 2015; 20: 418-423
Aims
To evaluate the effect of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative verbal analog scale (VAS) scores and total morphine requirements in the first 24 hours after laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.
Interventions
Patients were randomized to receive either TAP block or placebo.
Participants
49 ASA I-II patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, aged ≥ 18 years
Outcomes
Measured outcomes were pain scores, morphine consumption, level of sedation, presence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and average length of postoperative stay.
Follow-up
24 hours
CET Conclusions
This small study investigates the role of an ultrasound- and laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominus plane block in live kidney donors. The surgeons, anaesthetists and patients were blinded by the use of a saline placebo. Pain scores at most time-points, as well as total morphine requirements were reduced with TAP block. There was no difference in nausea, vomiting or length-of-stay, although the study was likely under-powered for these endpoints. The surgical technique used is not described in the manuscript, so it is not entirely clear how far these findings can be generalised. However, they agree with those from a number of previous studies that have shown similar benefits to TAP blocks in the live donor setting.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
None