Background: The transversus abdominis plane [TAP] block is a recognized method for blocking the neural afferents of the abdominal wall. Various adjuvants have been employed to enhance the quality and duration of local anesthetics.
Aim of the work: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in ultrasound-guided TAP block for patients undergoing moderate-sized umbilical hernia repair under general anesthesia. The study will assess the postoperative pain and opioid consumption levels using the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS].
Patients and Methods: This study included 60 patients who undergone surgical umbilical hernia repair. Patients have been randomly placed into two equal groups: Group I [M]: Ultrasound-guided Transversus abdominis plane block with Bupivacaine 0.25% [18 ml] [sunnybupivacaine] and 200 mg [2 ml] MgSO4, and Group II [S]: Ultrasound-guided Transversus abdominis plane block with Bupivacaine 0.25% 18 ml and [2 ml] normal saline.
Results: There was a statistically significant decreased postoperative pain measured through VAS score all over the 24 hours postoperatively, and increased time of postoperative analgesia with less dose needed from analgesics in MgSO4 added to bupivacaine group compared to bupivacaine alone with p-value <0.001.
Conclusion: The addition of MgSO4 to Bupivacaine in an ultrasound-guided TAP block results in lower postoperative pain scores, an extended duration of analgesia, and a reduced need for rescue analgesics.