Postoperative analgesia of transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery under general anesthesia

Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia requires effective postoperative analgesia for early ambulation and breast feeding. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is done by injecting local anesthetic solution in the plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles on either sides of the abdominal wall to prolong postoperative analgesia. One hundred pregnant women who underwent general anesthesia for cesarean delivery were randomized in to two equal groups ;TAP block group versus control group. This block was performed bilaterally using 20 mls of 0.25 % plain bupivacaine on each side. Each patient was assessed postoperatively by a blinded investigator at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours using numerical pain score (NPS) 0-10 at rest and movement. Narcotics consumption, drug side effects, and patient`s satisfaction were recorded. There were no significant differences between patients characteristics. Postoperative pain at rest as measured by NPS showed; medians (3-6) and means (3-5.5) in the control group ; which were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in TAP block group which did not exceed. During movement, NPS medians (4.5-8) and means (4.5-8.5) in the control group were significantly (p