A randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Background: Optimal analgesia following laparoscopic colorectal resection is yet to be determined; however, recent studies have questioned the role of postoperative epidural anaesthesia, suggesting other analgesic modalities may be preferable. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the effect of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks on opioid requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection.

Methods: After appropriate trial registration ( www.

Comparison of ankle-brachial pressure index measurements using an automated oscillometric device with the standard Doppler ultrasound technique.

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of an automated oscillometric device (DINAMAP) in measuring ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) in the clinical setting. Results were then compared to those obtained using the standard Doppler technique.

Methods: A prospective comparative study of 50 healthy volunteers was carried out using a standard ward DINAMAP machine, hand-held Doppler and a 14 cm sphygmomanometer cuff.