ESP Block VS TAP in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

For the TAP block, the ultrasound probe is placed transverse to the abdominal wall, between the iliac crest and the costal margin. The needle is placed in the plane of the probe and advanced until it is between the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscles. Once in the plane, 2 mL of saline is injected to confirm needle position, then the local anesthetic solution is injected. [10]

For the ESP block, as mentioned previously, the ultrasound is positioned in a parasagittal fashion, 2-3 inches lateral to the spinous process. This approach visualizes the transverse process. The needle is inserted cranial-to-caudal to make contact with the shadow of the transverse process, with the needle tip deep to the fascial plane of the erector spinae muscle. Injection of saline confirms the location of the needle, and the anesthetic is injected.

All patients will receive PO acetaminophen and PO gabapentin the morning of surgery. Pt. will be placed on PRN oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) postoperatively. PRN IV dilaudid may be given for severe breakthrough pain.

Opioid usage at 1, 24 and 48 hours after the block will be recorded by a member of the research team. Pain scores at rest and on movement will be measured by the investigator using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Nausea will be measured using a categorical scoring system (none=0; mild=1; moderate=2; severe=3). Sedation scores will also be assessed by a member of the study team using a sedation scale (awake and alert=0; quietly awake=1; asleep but easily roused=2; deep sleep=3). All these parameters will be measured at 1, 24 and 48 hours after the blocks and patients will be encouraged to ambulate on postoperative day 1 under supervision. Their ambulation activity will be recorded.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery at Indiana University Hospital
• ASA class 1, 2, 3 or 4
• Age 18 or older, female
• Desires Regional anesthesia for postoperative pain control

Exclusion criteria

• History of substance abuse in the past 6 months.
• Patients on more than 30 mg morphine equivalents of opioids.
• Any physical, mental or medical conditions which in the opinion of the investigators, may confound quantifying postoperative pain resulting from surgery.
• Known allergy or other contraindications to the study medications (Acetaminophen, Gabapentin, Bupivacaine).
• Postoperative intubation.
• Any BMI greater than 40.0.