Comparing pain relief from TAP block before and after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery

Preoperative TAP Block Versus Postoperative TAP Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Padova · NCT06903182

This study tests if giving a special pain relief shot before gallbladder surgery helps patients feel less pain and need fewer painkillers compared to getting the shot after the surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Padova Academic / other
Locations1 site (Padua, Italy)
Trial IDNCT06903182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the TAP block, a regional anesthesia technique, in providing pain relief for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a preoperative or postoperative TAP block, and their pain levels will be assessed during their hospital stay. The study seeks to determine whether administering the TAP block before surgery results in better pain control and reduced opioid consumption compared to administering it after surgery. The primary outcome will be pain levels measured 24 hours post-surgery using a Numeric Rating Scale.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are ASA I-II patients over 18 years old who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain, those on beta-blocker therapy, or those allergic to the study drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, potentially reducing opioid use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results regarding the timing of TAP block administration, making this investigation relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* ASA I-II patients
* Age \>18 years
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* History of chronic pain
* Beta-blocker therapy
* Allergy to the drugs used in the study

Where this trial is running

Padua, Italy

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TAP BlockTAP blocklaparoscopic cholecistectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.