The Evolution of Iliac Bone Graft Donor Site Analgesia in Cleft Patients: Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Is Safe and Efficacious.

Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been increasingly used as a means of abdominal wall analgesia. This study aims to determine if TAP block analgesia provides a benefit in cleft patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting with iliac crest cancellous bone graft.

Methods: Two groups of 20 consecutive patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting with iliac crest cancellous bone with either TAP block or indwelling catheter pain pump were examined in a retrospective fashion.