Application for ESRA Abstract Prizes: I apply as an Anesthesiologist (Aged 35 years old or less)

Background and Aims In our study, our aim is to examine the effects of modified thoracoabdominal nerve (M-TAPA) applied for postoperative analgesia in patients who had major intraabdominal surgery on the postoperative pain score, the change in the postoperative total opioid requirement and the side effects.

Methods We separated the patients into two groups as M-TAPA applied group and control group. In group M-TAPA, M-TAPA block was performed bilaterally with 20 mL of 0.2% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance at the end of surgery. No block was performed in the control group. Patients were administered morphine through patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a bolus dose of 1 mg, 15 min lockout interval. The postoperative pain scores (the numeric rating scores (NRS)), total opioid consumption in the first 48 h, antiemetic consumption and opioid related side effects were recorded.

Results A total of 43 patients were included in the study. Pain scores (at 2.,6.,12.,24.,36. hours) were significantly lower in group M-TAPA than in the group control (p<0.001). The total amount of morphine consumption in the first 48 h was lower in group M-TAPA than in the group control (M-TAPA 21,13± 6,56; IV PCA 61,70 ± 11,42) (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of side effects and rescue treatment (p>0,05).

Conclusions Bilateral ultrasound-guided M-TAPA block provides reduced postoperative pain scores, effective analgesia and decreased opioid consumption in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.