Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain management and opioid sparing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Comment on Br J Anaesth 2026;136: 266–82

The article presents a commentary on a meta-analysis by Zako and colleagues examining the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for postoperative pain management. The review encompassed 123 randomised controlled trials. The authors of the commentary acknowledge the statistical rigour and scope of the original meta-analysis. However, they point out that certain methodological aspects and clinical perspectives deserve further discussion. TAP block is a local anaesthetic technique used to reduce pain and opioid requirements after surgical procedures. The purpose of the commentary is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of this method in clinical practice.