An anatomical study of the transversus abdominis plane block: location of the lumbar triangle of Petit and adjacent nerves.

Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a new technique for providing analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall. Most previous studies have used the lumbar triangle of Petit as a landmark for the block. In this cadaveric study, we determined the exact position and size of the lumbar triangle of Petit and identified the nerves affected by the TAP block.

Severe acute pancreatitis: overall and early versus late mortality in intensive care units.

Objectives: To determine overall mortality and timing of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and factors affecting mortality.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of 110 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2003 to January 2006.

Results: The overall mortality rate was 53.