Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Visually Guided TAP Block in Laparoscopic TAPP Hernia Repair
Sponsor: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Summary
This prospective, randomized clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block performed under direct laparoscopic vision in reducing postoperative pain and improving recovery after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) technique. The study will enroll 100 adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair at the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland. Participants will be randomly assigned to two equal groups. In the study group, a bilateral TAP block will be performed under direct vision using 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side after establishing pneumoperitoneum. The control group will undergo the same surgical procedure without the TAP block. All patients will receive standardized anesthesia and postoperative pain management according to hospital protocol. Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 0, 6, and 12 hours after surgery. Additional data, such as time to mobilization, use of rescue analgesics, and occurrence of postoperative complications (hematoma, swelling, subcutaneous emphysema, transient muscle weakness), will also be recorded. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether a laparoscopically guided TAP block can effectively reduce postoperative pain and improve recovery parameters following TAPP hernia repair. The results may help establish a simple, safe, and reproducible method of multimodal analgesia in minimally invasive inguinal hernia surgery.
Official title: Efficacy of Visually Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Recovery After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TAPP - Transabdominal Preperitoneal)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2025-12-04
Completion Date
2027-03
Last Updated
2026-03-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Laparoscopic Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block with Bupivacaine
A bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is performed under direct laparoscopic vision after pneumoperitoneum is established. Using a needle and syringe, 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected on each side, approximately 2 cm below the costal margin in the anterior axillary line. The correct spread of the local anesthetic is confirmed visually by observing the characteristic "Doyle's bulge sign." The procedure is performed before mesh placement during TAPP hernia repair. This technique allows direct visualization of the injection plane, increasing precision and safety compared with ultrasound-guided TAP blocks.
Locations (1)
University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Department of General and Oncological Surgery
Olsztyn, Warmisko-mazurskie, Poland