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ANESTHESIA ALERT
rescue block. Onset may require up
to 60 minutes before reaching maximum effect. The duration varies
and is influenced by the volume
and concentration of the local
anesthetic. You can place a continuous indwelling catheter when
longer duration is required.
Mitigating risks
TAP BLOCKS
3 Main Benefits
• reduce the need for post-op
opioids while decreasing opioid-related side effects;
• increase the time to first
request for further
analgesia; and
• preserve motor and sensory
functions of the lower limbs so
that patients can get up and
around sooner and be discharged faster.
TAP blocks don't relieve visceral
pain when the surgical procedure
crosses the peritoneum into the
abdominal cavity. But despite this
limitation, they've been able to significantly reduce both morphine
consumption and post-operative nausea and vomiting. There are risks
and potential complications — including vascular, visceral and nerve
injuries — but, as noted, ultrasonography can help reduce the risks
and improve the success rate. OSM
Mr. Urigel (surigel@yahoo.com) and Mr. Molter (jeffmolter2000 @sbcg lobal.net) are members of Western Reserve Anesthesia Associates at the Findlay
Surgery Center in Findlay, Ohio.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A U G U S T 2013
