Actively Recruiting
Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks in Bariatric and General Surgery: Does Timing Matter?
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-01-27
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the timing of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) blocks to see if giving them before the surgical incision provides better pain control and reduces opioid use compared to giving them after the incision. This study focuses on adults undergoing elective bariatric or other general abdominal surgeries. The TAP block is a regional anesthesia technique that targets nerves supplying the front abdominal wall to help manage pain. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the TAP block either before the surgical incision or after it. The study compares these two groups to assess differences in opioid consumption and pain scores following surgery. The treatment involves a single TAP block administered during the surgical procedure, with no masking or blinding involved. During the study, researchers will monitor opioid use, pain levels at multiple time points up to 72 hours after surgery, and patient satisfaction with pain management at hospital discharge. Safety is tracked by recording any TAP block-related adverse events up to 90 days post-operation. Participants will be observed for opioid use and pain outcomes for up to 90 days after surgery, with all study-related care provided during this period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
TAP Block Timing Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged between 18 and 65 years
- Scheduled for elective bariatric surgery or other elective general abdominal surgeries
- Proficient in English sufficient to understand study procedures and communicate effectively
- Capable of providing informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Individuals under 18 years of age (minors)
- Pregnant individuals
- Prisoners
- Individuals with cognitive impairments or otherwise unable to provide informed consent independently
- Individuals with known allergies or contraindications to local anesthetics used in TAP blocks
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Up to 3 days or until hospital discharge
Participants receive a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block either before or after surgical incision as part of their elective bariatric or general abdominal surgery.
1 surgery visit and hospital stay of 3 to 5 days
Duration - Up to 90 days post-operatively
Participants are followed for up to 90 days after surgery to monitor opioid consumption, pain scores, adverse events, and satisfaction with pain management.
Multiple follow-up assessments including pain evaluations at 1, 3, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively and longer-term opioid use monitoring
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weill Cornell Medical College - NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York, United States, 10065
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Cheguevara Afaneh, MD
H
Hasan Ali
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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