Methods:

A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent IHR (open or laparoscopic) at this institution, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: Patients that had a TAP block before surgery (group 1) and patients with no TAP block (group 2). Common demographics and comorbidities were collected along with postoperative outcomes and POUR incidence rates for every group to determine procedural influence.

Results:

From 276 patients reviewed, 28.2%(N= 78) underwent TAP block before surgery. The patient cohort mean age was 61.1±14.4 years. Most the interventions were laparoscopic (81.2%) and an overall POUR incidence rate of 7.6%(N= 21) was observed. Comparatively, common demographics and comorbidities were statistically similar for both groups, with the exception of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p= 0.049). Individually, group 1 and 2 presented POUR incidence rates of 14.1% and 5.05%, respectively. While intraoperative fluid administration, early readmission rate, and length were similar in both groups, there was a significant difference in POUR incidence rates (p= 0.01).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing TAP block during IHR might have an increased risk of developing POUR. Further larger, prospective, and randomized controlled studies are necessary to better assess these findings.