Bilateral transversus abdominis plane [TAP] catheters for postoperative analgesia in a child with spinal dysraphism

ABSTRACT

Regional analgesic techniques have become indispensable in the management of adult postoperative pain, and are gaining popularity in the pediatric population. Several case reports have been published describing the use of transversus abdominis plane [TAP] blocks for the provision of analgesia following lower and middle abdominal surgery in the adult population. Although there are several anecdotal reports and a few case series describing TAP blocks in the pediatric population, there are a limited number of reports regarding the use of continuous TAP catheters in the pediatric population. We present our experience with the use of bilateral TAP catheters to provide postoperative analgesia following major abdominal surgery [appendicovesicostomy] in a 5-year old, 17.8 kg pediatric patient with spina bifida. Applications of the technique are discussed and previous reports from the adult and pediatric population regarding the use of TAP catheters are reviewed