Background: Anesthetized pigs may be useful for training with regional anesthesia techniques. This model animal was used to assess the impact of simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block.

Methods: In this prospective study, 23 participating residents (10 in their second year, 13 in their third year) underwent simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided TAP block. The residents completed standard questionnaires comprising ten multiple-choice questions regarding essential general knowledge of abdominal ultrasound and TAP block before and after the training session. On a five-point Likert scale, they reported their levels of comfort with the use of ultrasound and block equipment, subject/operator positioning, proper block technique, image documentation, needle handling, and anxiety, as well as their overall confidence with the procedure.

Results: Compared with those before training, the comfort levels of the residents significantly improved for all measures, except needle handling (all P < 0.05). The participants also indicated significantly reduced anxiety for performing the TAP block technique (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The use of anesthetized pigs in simulation-based training for the ultrasound-guided TAP block procedure improves the procedural knowledge and confidence while reducing the associated anxiety in anesthesiology trainees.

Keywords: porcine, simulation-based training, transversus abdominis plane block