The efficacy of transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks in reducing pain scores in dogs undergoing elective spay procedures

Question

In dogs undergoing an elective spay procedure (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy), does the use of a transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block compared to non-TAP reduce postoperative pain scores?

Clinical bottom line

The category of research question was:

Treatment.

The number and type of study designs that were critically appraised were:

Three studies were appraised, all of which were prospective, blinded, randomised, controlled trials.

Critical appraisal of the selected papers meeting the inclusion criteria collectively provide zero/weak/moderate/strong evidence in terms of their experimental design and implementation:

Moderate.

The outcomes reported are summarised as follows…

The available studies deemed a reduction in postoperative pain scores as a marker of treatment efficacy.

In view of the strength of evidence and the outcomes from the studies the following conclusion is made…

There is moderate evidence to suggest that, when compared to a control group, the use of a TAP block reduces postoperative pain scores, in dogs undergoing elective spay procedures (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy). The need for postoperative analgesia was reduced when a TAP block had been administered prior to the spay procedure.