Evaluation of Addition of Dexamethasone to Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Peripheral Nerve Block (NCT01303003) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Evaluation of Addition of Dexamethasone to Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Peripheral Nerve Block
United States24 participantsStarted 2010-12
Plain-language summary
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are increasingly being performed after abdominal surgery to provide post operative analgesia. Dexamethasone has demonstrated an ability to prolong the effective duration of analgesia in several different peripheral nerve blocks. The study will examine, in a blinded, prospective and randomized fashion, whether the addition of dexamethasone to TAP blocks similarly prolongs blockade and pain relief. The study will compare local anesthetic with and without the addition of dexamethasone in the TAP block.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male patients, between ages 18-85 years old, undergoing Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy by a single surgeon at a single hospital.
* Subjects are physically and mentally able to participate in the study.
* Subjects are able to give fully informed consent to participating in this study after demonstrating good understanding of the risks and benefits of the proposed components of the TAP block.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Demonstrated hypersensitivity or allergy to local anesthetics or dexamethasone.
* Any subject whose anatomy, or surgical procedure, in the opinion of the investigator, might preclude the potential successful performance of a TAP block.
* Any subject, who in the opinion of the investigator, might be harmed or be a poor candidate for participation in the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Time to First Request of Additional Analgesia
Timeframe: 24 hours post-op
Trial details
NCT IDNCT01303003
SponsorSteward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston, Inc.