WithdrawnPhase 3

Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Stopped: PI Decision

United States0Started 2024-03-01

Plain-language summary

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with considerable postoperative pain and surgeon-administered local anesthetic infiltration is the standard practice for achieving post-operative analgesia. However, recent studies have shown that pediatric patients continue to experience significant pain during the first 24 hours. The investigators plan to conduct a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study where patients will be designated into either a test group receiving an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) and rectus sheath (RS) blocks with ropivacaine and peri-portal sterile saline or the control group that will receive ultrasound-guided TAP block with sterile saline and peri-portal infiltration of ropivacaine. The anesthesia team and surgical team will both be blinded as well as the research personal in the postoperative period. Patients age 5-17 and American Society of Anesthesiology status I and II undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be included. The study hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks, specifically single shot transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath blocks, are superior to local wound infiltration during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for decreasing postoperative pain and pain related behavior and facilitating functional recovery.

Who can participate

Age range

5 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

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

. Patient age 5-17 years old at time of surgery
. ASA status 1-2
. Parent is able to provide informed consent and patient's \> age 7 able to give assent
. Patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
. Surgery will involve and be limited to laparoscopic cholecystectomy
. Admission status: 24-hour admission to hospital

Exclusion criteria

. Non-English speaking parents/patient.

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

cumulative opioid consumption (both intravenous and enteral) during the perioperative period

Timeframe: 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02712151

SponsorBoston Children's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain, Postoperative trials