Comparing pain relief methods after kidney transplant

Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks With Ropivacaine Continuous Infusion Catheters vs Single Dose Liposomal Bupivicaine: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial for Pain Control After Renal Transplant Surgery

PHASE4 · University of California, Davis · NCT03737604

This study tests which pain relief method works better for people recovering from a kidney transplant: a continuous drip of ropivacaine or a single injection of liposomal bupivacaine.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis (other)
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT03737604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of two pain management techniques for kidney transplant recipients: a continuous infusion of ropivacaine via catheters versus a single injection of liposomal bupivacaine. Participants will receive either a TAP block with ropivacaine bolus and continuous infusion or a single shot of liposomal bupivacaine, both administered under ultrasound guidance. The goal is to determine which method provides better postoperative pain relief for patients recovering from kidney transplantation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing kidney transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients who are opioid tolerant, pregnant, or have hypersensitivity to local anesthetics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for kidney transplant patients, enhancing their recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar analgesic techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients ages 18 years or older
* Renal Transplant Recipients

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients less than 18 years of age
* Pregnant Women
* Prisoners
* Opioid Tolerant Patients taking more than 30 mg/day of oral morphine equivalent analgesia
* Patients on Systemic anti coagulation
* Patients unable to provide consent
* Hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetic or any component of the drug formula

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Transplant, Failure,Kidney, Pain, Postoperative, Transversus Abdominis Plane Block, Ropivacaine, Liposomal bupivacaine

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.