Efficacy of Landmark-Guided Transverse Abdominis Plane (LTAP) Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Abstract

Introduction Optimizing perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgery remains a challenge given the side effects of narcotics and the potential for abuse. While transversus abdominis plane block has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, such as decreased opioid consumption and pain scores among adult patients, there is limited data regarding its efficacy for pediatric patients. This study evaluates efficacy amongst pediatric patients undergoing landmark-guided transversus abdominis plane (LTAP) during laparoscopic appendectomy. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients, ages 0-18 years old, who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis at a single institution from January 2021 to December 2022 was conducted. Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test and Welch’s t test were used to assess differences between the two cohorts for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results are statistically significant at P < .05. Results Of the 90 patients who met inclusion criteria, 40% (n = 36) underwent LTAP block. Those with LTAP block had a shorter average operative time than those without LTAP block (.6 vs .7 hours; P = .009). Similarly, patients with LTAP block had a shorter average time to discharge (4.1 vs 11.0 h; P = .039). There were no other statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes including narcotic use between both cohorts. Discussion Landmark-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks did not increase operative times yet reduced time to discharge for pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between LTAP administration and postoperative narcotic consumption to make clinical recommendations.