Prospective, Randomized Comparative Study Between an Anesthesiological, Ultrasound-guided, and a Laparoscopic, Landmark-based Application of a "Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block" Based on Postoperative Pain Perception, Postoperative Analgesic Requirement, and Procedure Duration

Launched by SANA KLINIKUM OFFENBACH · Mar 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different ways to perform a procedure called a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block, which helps manage pain after certain types of abdominal surgeries. One method uses ultrasound guidance by an anesthesiologist, while the other relies on traditional surgical landmarks. The main goal is to find out if either method leads to less pain after surgery and if there's a difference in the amount of pain relief medication needed. Researchers also want to see if one method takes longer than the other to perform.

To participate in this study, adults aged 65 to 74 who are having planned laparoscopic surgeries, like gallbladder removal or colorectal surgery, can join as long as they agree to take part. However, some individuals won't be eligible, including those who are pregnant, have allergies to the numbing medicine used, or have certain medical conditions that could complicate the procedure. Participants can expect to contribute to important research that may improve pain management for future patients undergoing similar surgeries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Consent of the adult patient
• • Elective laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or elective laparoscopic fundoplication
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lack of patient consent
• • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• • Allergies to local anaesthetics used
• • Infections at the puncture sites
• • History of complex abdominal wall reconstruction
• • Chronic pain syndrome
• • Fibromyalgia
• • Chronic opioid use
• • Chronic alcohol abuse
• • Chronic drug abuse (THC, amphetamines, cocaine, etc.)
• • Psychiatric preconditions (depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
• • Patients with impaired consciousness, communication, or cognitive function
• • Diagnosed coagulopathies (e.g., platelet count \<80,000/µL, PTT/aPTT- prolongation \>1.5 upper normal value)
• • Therapeutic anticoagulation