Evaluation Of Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Block In Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, iliaoinguinal and iliaohypogastric nerve (IIN and IHN) blocks, and inguinal hernia repair (IHR) are among the most frequently done surgical procedures globally. These treatments can offer anesthesia and analgesia of the abdominal wall.
Objective: To compare the effect of ultrasound-guided TAP block versus conventional ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block for pediatric patients undergoing IHR. 
Methods: The present study was carried out on 60 patients, from April 2021 to January 2022 scheduled for elective primary unilateral open IHR in Al-Azhar University Hospital (Assiut). All of the patients had an ASA physical status of I or II and aged between 1-6 years old. Using the sealed envelope technique; patients were randomly divided into two groups (30 sfor each).
Results: As regards patient hemodynamics (MABP, HR, SPO2%) at different intervals showed no statistical difference between both groups. The Comparison between the two studied groups according to Alder Hey Triage Pain Score, A significant higher score in group T at 2, 4 and 6 hours after surgery compared to group I. 
Conclusion: Ultrasound guided TAP block provides more effective analgesia than conventional IIN/IHN block during pediatric IHR. Less rescue analgesia was used with the use of US-TAP block than with conventional IIN/IHN block.