Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery
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Recovery protocols aim to limit narcotic administration following ventral hernia repair (VHR). However, little is known about the contribution of a protocol's individual components on patient outcomes. We previously reported that surgeon-performed transversus abdominis plane block (TAP-block) is more effective than ultrasound-guided TAP-block following VHR. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two postoperative analgesia modalities: epidural catheter and surgeon-performed TAP-block following VHR performed with transversus abdominis release (TAR). ⋯ Epidural use following VHR with TAR is associated with increased LOS and increased time to regular diet without reducing pain or opioid use when compared to surgeon-performed TAP block.