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TAP Block Versus ESP Block in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Sponsor: University of Padova
Summary
This study is comparing two types of pain relief techniques-TAP block and ESP block-for women having an elective cesarean section. Both techniques involve injecting local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance to numb nerves and reduce pain after surgery. The TAP block mainly relieves pain in the abdominal wall, while the ESP block may reduce both abdominal wall and deeper, organ-related pain. The main goal is to see if there's a difference in pain at rest six hours after surgery. The study will also look at pain at later time points, the amount of opioid medication needed, how quickly women can walk, and when they start breastfeeding. A total of 156 women will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two blocks after standard spinal anesthesia. Pain will be measured using a simple 0-10 scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours, both at rest and during movement. The study follows strict ethical rules, ensures patient privacy, and all results-whether positive or negative-will be shared to help improve pain management after cesarean delivery.
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2026-01
Completion Date
2027-10
Last Updated
2026-01-06
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
TAP block
TAP block will be performed with with ropivacaine 0.375% 20 mL per side (total 40 mL)
ESP block
ESP block will be performed with ropivacaine 0.375% 20 mL per side (total 40 mL)