Different volumes of the M-TAPA nerve block for pain after sleeve gastrectomy
Perioperative Analgesic Effect of Different Volumes of Modified Thoracoabdominal Perichondrial Approach on Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy: Prospective Randomized Trial
This trial tests whether giving different amounts of local anesthetic with the M-TAPA nerve block reduces pain and opioid use after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Menoufia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shibīn al Kawm, Menofia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07510347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center prospective randomized trial will enroll 60 adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and randomize them to receive bilateral ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) blocks with three different volumes of 0.25% bupivacaine (20, 30, or 40 mL per side). Blocks are performed after induction of standardized general anesthesia and all patients receive standard intraoperative monitoring and postoperative care. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption, with safety and recovery metrics tracked as secondary outcomes. Patients with ASA >2, chronic opioid use, prior major abdominal surgery, coagulopathy, local infection, or relevant neurologic or psychiatric disorders are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–60 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with ASA class I–II and no recent chronic opioid use are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with ASA >2, chronic opioid use, prior major abdominal surgery, coagulopathy, local infection, allergy to local anesthetics, or significant neuromuscular or psychiatric disorders are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the optimized M-TAPA volume could lower postoperative pain and reduce opioid requirements, supporting faster recovery after sleeve gastrectomy.
How similar studies have performed: Regional abdominal blocks such as TAP blocks and early reports of M-TAPA have shown opioid-sparing and improved pain control after abdominal surgery, but randomized data specific to sleeve gastrectomy and optimal M-TAPA volumes remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Patients will be eligible for the study if they meet the following criteria: 1. Adults aged \> 20 years to 60 years. 2. Scheduled for elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Exclusion Criteria Patients will be excluded from the study if any of the following conditions apply: 1. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) ASA \> class 2. 2. History of chronic pain or opioid use for more than 3 months before surgery. 3. Previous major abdominal surgery (which may affect M-TAPA efficacy). 4. Known hypersensitivity or allergy to local anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine). 5. Coagulopathy or ongoing anticoagulant therapy that could increase bleeding risk. 6. Local infection at the injection site. 7. Neuromuscular disorders affecting pain perception. 8. Patient with mental or psychiatric disorders.
Where this trial is running
Shibīn al Kawm, Menofia
- Menofia faculty of medicine — Shibīn al Kawm, Menofia, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ahmed Mohamed elkhouly, bachelor — Menoufia University
- Study coordinator: Ahmed Mohamed Elkhouly, bachelor's degree
- Email: xahmed035@gmail.com
- Phone: +201017829302
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.