A Prospective Randomized Study to Compare Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and Caudal Epidural Block for Post-operative Analgesia in Children (1-6 Year) Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia

Background: Adequate perioperative pain relief in children is important for smooth recovery and early discharge. This study compared ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) block and caudal epidural block for post-op analgesia in children aged 1–6 years undergoing abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia. Methods: 80 children were randomised into two groups. Group T received TAP block with 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine. Group C received caudal block with 1.25 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine. FLACC score was used for pain assessment postoperatively. Hemodynamics were monitored intraoperatively. Results: Mean time to first rescue analgesia was longer in Group T (10.8 ± 4.22 hr) vs Group C (7.20 ± 2.44 hr), P < 0.001. Total analgesic requirement in 24 hours was less in Group T (147.33 ± 32.05 mg) vs Group C (218.67 ± 74.99 mg), P < 0.0001. Conclusion: TAP block gave longer and better post-op pain relief with lower analgesic use and stable vitals in children undergoing abdominal surgery.