What is a tap block?

A tap block, also known as a transverse abdominis plane block, is a type of regional anesthesia technique used to provide pain relief after abdominal or pelvic surgery.

During a tap block, local anesthetic is injected into the fascial plane between the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles. This blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves in the abdominal wall, providing analgesia to the surgical site.

Tap blocks are often used in combination with other pain management techniques to reduce the amount of opioids required for pain control after surgery. They have been shown to provide effective pain relief with minimal side effects and can help improve patient outcomes by reducing postoperative pain levels and the incidence of complications.

Overall, tap blocks can be a safe and effective option for managing pain after abdominal or pelvic surgery, helping patients to recover more comfortably and quickly.