TAP Blocks for Postoperative Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Recruiting

Sponsor: McMaster University

Must not be taking: Opioids

Disqualifiers: Revisional surgery, Chronic pain, others

No Placebo Group

Prior Safety Data

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing for administering a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block in bariatric surgery, specifically investigating whether initiating TAP blocks at the beginning of surgery is more beneficial than at the end, which is the current practice. The study targets obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, with a focus on reducing postoperative pain and opioid use. Key outcomes include recovery duration, pain levels, opioid consumption, and respiratory function. Successful results could establish early TAP block initiation as a standard practice, offering faster recovery, decreased opioid reliance, and reduced healthcare costs.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have a history of chronic pain or opioid use, you would not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block for postoperative pain?

Research shows that the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block is effective for managing pain after abdominal surgeries, including major and lower abdominal procedures, and is beneficial for both adults and children.

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Is the TAP Block generally safe for humans?

Research on TAP Blocks, used for managing pain after surgery, shows they are generally safe with few side effects reported in both children and adults.

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How is the TAP block treatment different from other treatments for postoperative pain?

The TAP block is a unique treatment for postoperative pain because it involves a regional anesthesia technique that targets nerves in the abdominal wall to reduce pain after surgery. Unlike systemic pain medications, it provides localized pain relief, which can help reduce the need for opioids and their associated side effects.

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Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who are having their first bariatric surgery, either Sleeve Gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. It aims to help with post-surgery pain and reduce opioid use.

Inclusion Criteria

I am having my first weight loss surgery at St. Joseph's, either SG or RYGB.

I am older than 18 years.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either early or late TAP block during bariatric surgery to assess the optimal timing for pain management

Surgery duration

Immediate Post-operative Recovery

Participants are monitored for opioid consumption, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory status in the post-anesthetic recovery unit

24 hours

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Participant Groups

The study tests the timing of TAP blocks using Bupivacaine-epinephrine in bariatric surgery. It compares giving the block at the start versus the end of surgery to see which helps recovery and reduces pain and opioid needs better.

Group I: Early TAP block Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients in this group will receive TAP blocks at the beginning of the procedure

Group II: Late TAP block Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients in this group will receive TAP blocks at the end of their procedure, which is the current standard practice.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - Charlton Campus Hamilton, Canada

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University Lead Sponsor

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transversus abdominis plane blocks: an overview of indication and nursing care. [2016] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are an evolving regional anesthesia technique used as part of postoperative pain management regimens after major abdominal surgery. This article reviews TAP block insertion techniques, commonly used local anesthetics, and recommends nursing care related to TAP blocks.

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative study of dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl as adjuvants to bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a prospective randomised study. [2022] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is beneficial for pain management after conducting abdominal surgery.

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Different Lower Abdominal Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Hospital-Chengalpattu District. [2023] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is one of the novel approaches and an effective method for providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.

4. Turkey pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block in children: retrospective analysis of 97 cases. [2023] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a method for postoperative pain management. Studies on children are gradually increasing. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate effectiveness of TAP block on pain control, its side effects, and parental satisfaction levels in children.

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Four quadrant transversus abdominis plane block and continuous transversus abdominis plane analgesia: a 3-year prospective audit in 124 patients. [2022] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been reported to be an effective method of providing analgesia after abdominal surgery. To perform a prospective audit on the effectiveness of a novel technique of providing continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) analgesia in patients undergoing emergency and elective abdominal surgery.

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative pain management and surgery side effects in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. [2022] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a new option for reducing postoperative pain. This study investigated the effects of laparoscopic TAP block on postoperative adverse events and analgesia and antiemetics requirements after bariatric surgery.

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transversus abdominis plane block in urological procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023] Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been shown to successfully reduce pain and opioid consumption after general and gynaecological surgery.