Análisis comparativo de bloqueo del plano transverso abdominal y analgesia intravenosa en cirugía abdominal abierta: perspectiva desde la metodología Pain Out

Abstract

Introduction: currently, the inclusion of abdominal wall block techniques, particularly the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, has gained si gni fi cance for the management of postoperati ve abdominal pain. Objective: to compare the analgesia provided by TAP block versus intravenous analgesia to control postoperative pain following open abdominal surgery based on the Pain Out methodology. Material and methods: a comparative, longitudinal, and retrospective analysis was conducted on the outcomes from a database generated by the Pain Out México study, including 60 patients who underwent open abdominal surgery. The groups included: a) TAP block and b) intravenous analgesia. We evaluated analgesic outcomes at 24 hours by comparing analgesic requirement, pain intensity at rest/movement, respiration, sleep quality, post-surgical activities, ambulation, adverse effects, percentage of perceived pain relief, and satisfaction, among others. Results: the TAP block group required fewer analgesics, exhibited increased post-surgical activity such as in-bed mobility, respiration, and ambulation, and had fewer adverse effects compared to the intravenous analgesia group. Conclusion: the TAP bl ock provides more significant analgesic benefits and fewer adverse effects than opioid-based intravenous analgesia for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing open abdominal surgery.