Ultrasound guided continuous transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block is an extremely attractive technique ensuring adequate perioperative analgesia. The use of ultrasound has enhanced the accuracy of local anaesthetic deposition in the plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis, thereby blocking the spinal nerves more effectively and hence enhancing the efficacy of analgesia. Pregnancy is associated with higher frequency of arrhythmias in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and poor perioperative pain management may contribute to life threatening arrhythmias. We report a case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome posted for elective caesarean section, managed successfully under regional anesthesia with transverses abdominis plane block. The block and catheter were deposited under ultrasound guidance with continuous infusion of 0.2% of ropivacaine was used for postoperative pain relief. Dexmetedomidine was also used as intravenous adjunct at titrated dose of 0.4-0.6 mics/kg/min to attenuate maternal hormonal and hemodynamics during surgery.