Comparison of TAP Block and Wound Infiltration for Post-Caesarean Analgesia

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative analgesia following caesarean section is essential for early maternal recovery. This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anaesthetic wound infiltration following lower segment caesarean section (LSCS).

Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study was designed involving 140 women undergoing elective LSCS under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were divided into Group T (TAP block, n=70) and Group W (wound infiltration, n=70). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Rescue analgesic requirements, duration of analgesia, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated.

Results: In the  dataset, VAS scores were lower in Group T than Group W at 2 hours (1.84±0.72 vs. 2.46±0.86), 6 hours (2.21±0.83 vs. 3.38±0.94), 12 hours (2.87±0.91 vs. 4.12±1.06), and 24 hours (3.24±1.02 vs. 3.86±1.14). Time to first rescue analgesia was longer in Group T (10.84±2.63 vs. 6.42±2.18 hours). Patient satisfaction was higher in Group T (82.9% vs. 61.4%).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that TAP block may provide better postoperative analgesia, prolonged pain relief, and greater maternal satisfaction than wound infiltration.