Timing of Transversus Abdominis Plane TAP Blocks for Pain Control in Bariatric and Abdominal Surgery

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.

TAP Block Timing Study