Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: A New Gold Standard for Abdominal Surgery?

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a technique of peripheral nerve block for abdominal anterior wall and in past years several authors demonstrated its efficacy and role in multimodal analgesia for various surgeries. Introduction of ultrasound-guided technique provided to more safety and easiness to realize this block after an adequate training, with description of few complications. Scarcity of contraindications makes this technique applicable in a large number of patients, whereas epidural analgesia is not recommended. Evolution of this block, with the possibility of using continuous infusion catheters, allows a longer and more effective control of postoperative pain after abdominal surgeries, with less respiratory and cardiovascular complications, a more comfortable recovery of patients and a consequent reduction of length hospital stay and costs, in line to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. Promotion and application of TAP block are to be encouraged in daily clinical practice to meliorate pain control, patient satisfaction and a fast recovery.