Laparoscopic Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block to Reduce Post-operative Opioids
Stopped: Study was not started due to COVID-19 pandemic.
United States0Started 2020-01-24
Plain-language summary
This study evaluates laparoscopic-guided TAP block for reducing opioid use after minimally invasive foregut and bariatric surgeries, comparing Bupivacaine HCL with Exparel®. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, length of stay, and PONV medication use.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* gastric bypass \& sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch and minimally invasive elective anti-reflux foregut surgeries such as - hiatal hernia repair, fundoplication and Heller myotomy.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Subjects who are known to be
* Allergic to Bupivacaine
* Chronic opioid users Page 4
* Had/have neurological conditions
* Have a diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome which requires them to consume regular analgesics \> 3-months
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class IV \& V patients with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.
* Patients with abdominal drain use
* Patients with significant cardiovascular, liver or renal disease
* Presence of contraindications for bariatric or foregut surgery.
* Patients presenting postoperative complications will be excluded from final analysis \& final data set
* History of bariatric or foregut surgery
* Patients who are pregnant
* Patients who are under the age of 18
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.