• Y J Xu, X Sun, H Jiang, Y H Yin, M L Weng, Z R Sun, W K Chen, and C H Miao.
• Department of Anaesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
• Br J Surg. 2020 Jan 1; 107 (2): e133-e141.

BackgroundThe optimal analgesia regimen after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery is unclear. The aim of the study was to characterize the beneficial effects of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks initiated before operation on outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer were divided randomly into three groups: combined general-TAP anaesthesia (TAP group), combined general-thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA group) and standard general anaesthesia (GA group). The primary endpoint was duration of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints included gastrointestinal motility, pain scores and plasma levels of cytokines.ResultsIn total, 180 patients were randomized and 165 completed the trial. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that duration of hospital stay was significantly longer in the TEA group than in the TAP and GA groups (median 4·1 (95 per cent c.i. 3·8 to 4·3) versus 3·1 (3·0 to 3·3) and versus 3·3 (3·2 to 3·6) days respectively; both P < 0·001). Time to first flatus was earlier in the TAP group (P < 0·001). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores during coughing were lower in the TAP and TEA groups than the GA group (P < 0·001). Raised plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor C, interleukin 6, adrenaline and cortisol were attenuated significantly by continuous TAP block.ConclusionContinuous TAP analgesia not only improved gastrointestinal motility but also shortened duration of hospital stay. A decreased opioid requirement and attenuating surgical stress response may be potential mechanisms. Registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-1800015535 ( http://www.chictr.org.cn).© 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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