Regional Anesthesia Blocks
at The University of Kansas Health System
Some patients may not be candidates for an epidural, or an alternative type of nerve block may be more appropriate. In these cases, you may be able to receive one of these alternative types of nerve block for post-operative pain control. These procedures are generally performed prior to surgery, using ultrasound and mild sedation.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAP Block)
Involves placing long-acting numbing medicine in between the muscle layers of the abdominal wall.
This numbs the nerves that sense pain from your surgical incision.
Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB)
The decision to place an epidural or to perform one of the procedures above will be based on a number of patient and surgical factors. These include, but are not limited to:
- Type of surgery planned (incision size/location, length of procedure, etc.)
- Anticipated length of hospital stay
- Risk of bleeding (anticoagulation or ‘blood thinners,’ low platelet count, liver disease)
- History of back or abdominal surgeries
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| Placement in the spinal cord |
Use of ultrasound for placement |