Reducing pain after weight loss surgery

Vadim Gritsus, M.D. has taken another step towards further reducing pain after surgery by incorporating a technique called the “Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block” in all his weight loss procedures. The TAP block technique involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic (for example Novocaine) in the area of the nerves which conduct pain signals from the abdomen to the brain. These nerves are located on each side of the abdomen. Dr. Gritsus uses an ultrasound-guided technique to inject the anesthetic and block these nerves during surgery while patients are under general anesthesia. The result of this approach has been the almost complete elimination of pain after surgery in his patients.

The block in abdominal nerve sensation is temporary and does not result in permanent nerve damage. Because the local anesthetic is absorbed in the nerve tissue over time, the pain relief in the injected area can last for more than 48 hours after the surgery – when post-surgical pain is usually the most intense. After the first 48 hours, tissue healing is already underway, and as the nerves in the abdomen slowly regain function, the pain is no longer there to be transmitted to the brain.

This technique provides an excellent recovery boost to patients as they are able to move better, breathe better, and reduce their use of narcotic pain medication which can cause constipation.

To learn more about this technique, please contact Dr. Gritsus here.