Li X, et al. - Whether lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block affords an effective option to provide analgesia in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic partial or radical nephrectomy, was investigated in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Overall 104 patients were enrolled and were randomized to ultrasound-guided lateral TAP block with either 30 ml of 0.4% ropivacaine or an equivalent volume of normal saline, following anaesthesia induction. No reduction in intra- and postoperative opioid consumption was achieved with preoperative lateral TAP in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery. Also, no pain relief and no promotion of postoperative recovery in the first 24 h post-surgery were provided by preoperative lateral TAP in these patients.