Randomized trial of transversus abdominis plane block at total laparoscopic hysterectomy: Effect of regional analgesia on quality of recovery

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block improves the early postoperative quality of recovery (QoR-40). The secondary objectives measured postoperative pain, length of stay, and narcotic use. Study Design: This was a randomized, single-blinded trial of TAP block versus no block on women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. TAP block patients received 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000 placed under ultrasound guidance on each side. The outcomes were measured using validated quality of recovery questionnaires (QoR-40), visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, and documented narcotic use in the electronic medical record. Results: In 58 women, no differences in demographics were noted between groups. Comparisons of pain and recovery between the 2 groups showed no differences. There was no decrease in narcotic use or length of stay among those who received the TAP block. Conclusions: TAP block does not improve postoperative QoR-40 scores or VAS pain scores following laparoscopic hysterectomy, nor does it decrease narcotic pain medication use.