TAP

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

TAP
Stands forTransversus abdominis plane (block)
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Military

TAP has two meanings. It stands for Transversus abdominis plane (block) (anesthesia) or Transition Assistance Program (veteran).

Meanings of TAP at a glance

#TAP stands forContext
1Transversus abdominis plane (block)Medical › Anesthesia
2Transition Assistance ProgramMilitary › Veteran

1. Transversus abdominis plane (block)

Medical · Anesthesia Abbreviations

Regional anesthesia technique that injects local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, numbing nerves of the anterior abdominal wall. It is used for pain control after cesarean delivery, hernia repair and other abdominal surgery.

Example: Bilateral TAP blocks with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine each side after closure.

TAP blocks relieve incisional pain but not deeper visceral pain, so they are combined with other analgesics in multimodal plans. Liposomal bupivacaine is sometimes used to extend duration. Quadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane blocks are related fascial plane techniques.

2. Transition Assistance Program

Military · Veteran Abbreviations

Mandatory program that prepares service members for civilian life with workshops on job searching, VA benefits, education and financial planning before they separate or retire.

Example: I started TAP a year before my retirement date.

Participation was made mandatory by the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Members are encouraged to begin at least a year before separation. Related programs such as SkillBridge let members train with civilian employers in their final months.

More anesthesia abbreviations

  • SAB – Subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia)
  • SGA – Supraglottic airway
  • STOP-Bang – Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck size…
  • Sux – Succinylcholine
  • TCI – Target-controlled infusion
  • TIVA – Total intravenous anesthesia
  • TOF – Train-of-four
  • VAE – Venous air embolism

See all 34 anesthesia abbreviations →

More veteran abbreviations

  • SGLI – Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance
  • SMC – Special monthly compensation
  • SPD – Separation program designator
  • TAMP – Transitional Assistance Management Program
  • TDIU – Total disability individual unemployability
  • TFL – TRICARE For Life
  • TSGLI – Traumatic Injury Protection under SGLI
  • TSP – Thrift Savings Plan

See all 53 veteran abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.