A Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a regional anesthetic technique used in procedural medicine to provide analgesia for abdominal wall surgeries. Administered under ultrasound guidance, this block targets the nerves within the fascial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, offering effective pain relief by blocking somatic nerve innervation to the anterior abdominal wall.
Ultrasound is crucial for precise needle placement, enhancing safety and efficacy by visualizing anatomical layers and avoiding vital structures. This minimizes complications and ensures optimal spread of local anesthetic, making TAP blocks a valuable tool for postoperative pain management in various general, gynecological, and urological procedures, thereby improving patient recovery and reducing opioid reliance.
