Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Plane Block In Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

After the wound closure is completed and the patient is still under genaral anesthesia the M-TAPA block ill be performed. As the patient is in the supine position, the high-frequency linear US probe (11-12 MHz, Vivid Q) and a 22-G 80-mm needle (Stimuplex® Ultra 360®, Braun, USA) will be placed in a sagittal position at the costochondral junction at the level of the 9th and 10th ribs. After the rib and the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles are visualized on USG, using an in-plane technique, the block needle will be advanced and the block location will be confirmed by injecting 5 ml of saline between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Once the block location is confirmed, 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (Buvicaine ®) will be applied on each side. The total volume will be 60 ml.

ibuprofen 400mg (Ibuprofen-PF®) intravenous (IV), and tramadol (Contramal®) 100 mg IV will be administered to all patients 20 minutes before wound closure. After surgery, Ibuprofen 400 mg will be given three times a day. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) system containing 10 mcg/ml fentanyl will be provided to all patients without continuous infusion. Patients can administer boluses of 0.35 mcg/kg with a 15-minute lockout period and a maximum dose of 100 mcg per hour. Another anesthesiologist will assess patients after surgery. If the patient's pain score (NRS) is 4 or higher, IV tramadol (Contramal®) 100 mg will be given as a rescue analgesic.