Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Compared to Local Anesthetic Wound Infiltration in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON · Jan 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating two different methods to help manage pain after surgery for gynecologic conditions. The researchers want to see if a technique called the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, which involves injecting anesthetic before surgery to numb the area, is as effective as a surgeon injecting local anesthetic directly into the surgical area after the operation. The goal is to find out which method leads to better pain control, shorter hospital stays, and overall improved recovery for patients.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, understand English, and be able to provide informed consent. They must be scheduled for a specific type of surgery called exploratory laparotomy and not have any allergies to the anesthetic used. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain issues or significant liver or kidney disease, may not qualify. If you participate, you can expect to be monitored for pain levels and overall recovery during your hospital stay, helping researchers gather important information on these pain management techniques.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
• • Patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy via midline vertical skin incision for gynecologic indications at UW Hospital and Clinics
• • Patients must be \>18 years old
• • English speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires)
• • Patients must have the ability to understand visual and verbal pain scales
• • Patients must be eligible for TAP block placement. This will be confirmed during preoperative visit with the primary surgeon. Patient's are not eligible if they have allergies to the anesthetic medications or have had prior abdominal reconstructive surgery that would alter their abdominal wall anatomy in a way where the block would not be expected to be effective.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Known allergy to local anesthetics.
• • Known history of chronic pain disorders and/or chronic opioid use defined as greater than 10mg of PO morphine or equivalent used daily for at least 30 days prior to enrollment.
• • Patient has a history of opioid dependence requiring rehabilitation or the use of opioid antagonists.
• • Patients with a planned exploration with biopsies (no organs removed) will be excluded from the study.
• • Individuals who are pregnant, lactating or planning on becoming pregnant during the study.
• • Significant liver disease that would inhibit prescription of opioids.
• • Significant kidney disease that would inhibit administration of gabapentin.
• • Not suitable for study participation due to other reasons at the discretion of the investigators.