The effect of transversus abdominis plane block in inguinal hernioplasty on chronic pain

The aim of the current study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of IV analgesia after general anesthesia, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after the induction of general anesthesia and before the surgery and spinal analgesia on development of chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair. Forty patients, who underwent hernioplasty for the first-time and for whom at least 6 months had passed since the operation date were included in the study, were included in each group as follows: Group G received IV analgesia with general anesthesia; Group T included patients who received TAP block with general anesthesia; and Group S received spinal anesthesia. The study evaluated early and chronic postoperative pain, as well as pain severity, nature of the pain, predisposing factors, and the effect on various activities. No difference was found in pain incidence among the groups in the early postoperative pain evaluation; whereas VAS scores were lower in Group T. Chronic pain incidence was found to be lower in Group T. However, there was no difference among the groups in terms of VAS scores, pain nature, frequency, its effect on daily activities and sleep for patients with chronic pain. The TAP block is an effective method to prevent chronic pain development after inguinal hernioplasty compared to the other two methods. Because of the retrospective nature of the study, further prospective clinical trials are required.