Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block versus port-site local anesthetic infiltration in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.
Medicine (Baltimore)Sep 4, 2026
Javeria Javed, Mahnoor Qasim, Zaryab Bacha et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane (LTAP) block versus port-site local anesthetic infiltration in 711 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. LTAP significantly reduced visual analogue scale pain scores at 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours compared to port-site infiltration, with a modest reduction in hospital stay.
Key findings
- LTAP significantly reduced pain scores at 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours compared to port-site infiltration.
- No significant differences were found in operative time, shoulder pain, or rescue analgesia between groups.
- A modest reduction in hospital stay was observed with LTAP compared to port-site infiltration.
- High certainty of evidence for pain relief at 1 and 3 hours, moderate for most secondary outcomes.
Why it matters
Effective postoperative pain management is crucial for recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study suggests that LTAP block may enhance early pain relief, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital stays.