Ultrasound Guided TAPB vs Surgical TAPB With Bupivacaine in Cesarean Section

This study is comparing two methods of delivering a transversus abdominis plane block (TAP block) — a regional anesthetic technique used to numb the abdominal wall and reduce pain after cesarean section. One method uses ultrasound guidance performed by an anesthesiologist, and the other is performed by the surgeon during the operation itself (surgical TAP block). Both use bupivacaine, a local anesthetic. The goal is to determine which technique provides better postoperative pain control. To participate, you must be female, at least 21 years old, full-term pregnant, and scheduled for an elective cesarean section with a Pfannenstiel incision (the standard horizontal lower abdominal incision). Women having cesarean sections with a different incision type, those with a history of addiction to opioids or benzodiazepines, allergies to anesthetics, psychological disorders, blood clotting problems, or infection at the injection site are not eligible. Participants will be randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided or surgically placed TAP blocks and will report their pain levels and use of additional pain medication. This research is clinically important because cesarean section is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, and adequate postoperative pain management promotes faster recovery, earlier breastfeeding, and improved maternal satisfaction. Finding the most effective TAP block technique could standardize and improve post-cesarean pain care.