Effect of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Diaphragm Thickness

Postoperative pain is among the main reasons for the decrease in respiratory function after upper abdominal surgery. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between pain and respiratory function in abdominal surgeries. While the classic TAP block is used to relieve lower abdominal pain \[Th10-Th12\] after surgery, it may be insufficient in relieving pain in the upper abdominal wall \[Th6-Th9\]. The 4-point TAPb technique is employed to address the pain in this region. Ultrasound allows for non-invasive assessment of changes in diaphragm thickness along with changes in lung volume, and evaluating diaphragm mass and contraction is highly useful in diagnosing respiratory diseases. Previous studies have explored changes in diaphragm thickness and the relationship between total lung capacity \[TLC\], functional residual capacity \[FRC\], residual volume \[RV\] and diaphragm function. However, changes in diaphragm function due to pain prevention in patients undergoing '4-point' TAPb are not well understood. It is aimed to investigate the impact of the 4-point TAP block on the diaphragm in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. The primary objective of this study is to use ultrasound to examine the effect of the four-point TAP block, administered for analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, on diaphragm thickness. The secondary objective is to assess the impact of the four-point TAP block on pain and the quality of patient recovery.