Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain management and opioid sparing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
The TAP block is an effective anaesthetic modality for pain management and opioid sparing after abdominal surgery.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing abdominal surgery in RCTs of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block123 RCTs
- Comparison
- TAP block vs placebo, local infiltration, epidural analgesia or intrathecal morphine
- Outcome
- 6-, 12- and 24-h postoperative pain scores and cumulative 24-h postoperative morphine consumption
Methodological detailsMEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL searched from inception to May 2024
- MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL searched from inception to May 2024
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
TAP block vs Local infiltrationSMD (95% CI)P value
6-h pain
−0.89(−1.35 to −0.43)
P < 0.00112-h pain
−1.27(−2.08 to −0.46)
P = 0.00224-h pain
−0.66(−1.01 to −0.32)
P < 0.001Cumulative 24-h morphine consumption
−0.99(−1.52 to −0.47)
P < 0.001Original publication
Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain management and opioid sparing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Anaesth. Published 2 December 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →