EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRAVENOUS DEXAMETHASONE COMBINED TAP – BLOCK IN LAPAROSCOPIC COLORECTAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: Opioid-sparing analgesia strategies are trivial elements in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs of laparoscopic colorectal resection. Using dexamethasone in combination with a single shot TAP-block helps prolong pain relief, reduces the total dose of opium consumed, and helps restore better bowel function.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the duration of postoperative pain relief, total amount of morphine consumed at 24 hours after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in two groups TAP-block combined with intravenous dexamethasone and group TAP - block alone.

Method: A randomized, controlled, single-blind prospective study was conducted in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection.

Results: The study included 61 patients, 38 men (62%), and 23 women (38%), and the average age was 61 (50 – 66) years old. In the TAP - block combined with the dexamethasone group, the pain relief time lasted 2 times longer, the total amount of morphine consumed in 24 hours was reduced by 25%, the time to recover gastrointestinal function was 20% earlier, and the VAS score during exercise was reduced by 25% at 24 hours after surgery was statistically significantly less than the TAP - block alone group.

Conclusion: Dexamethasone reduces the total quantity of morphine taken and extends the duration of TAP-block pain relief and accelerating the restoration of bowel motility.

Keywords: transversus abdominal plane block, laparoscopic colorectal surgery, dexamethasone