Improving pain control after cesarean section with nerve blocks

Analgesic Efficacy of Surgeon-administered Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks for Caesarean Section.

NA · University of Calgary · NCT06324942

This study is testing if a special pain relief method called TAP blocks can help women feel less pain and recover faster after having a cesarean section.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Calgary (other)
Locations1 site (Calgary, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT06324942 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) blocks administered by surgeons to enhance pain management for patients undergoing cesarean sections. The TAP block involves injecting a long-acting local anesthetic into the abdominal wall at the end of surgery, which may reduce the need for narcotics and promote quicker recovery. The study is randomized, comparing outcomes between patients receiving the TAP block and those who do not. The goal is to determine if this technique can lead to better postoperative pain control and shorter hospital stays.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients undergoing elective cesarean sections under regional anesthesia with ASA status II to III.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to local anesthetics, those requiring general anesthesia, or those with chronic pain disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery times for patients after cesarean sections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on TAP blocks in other abdominal surgeries have shown promising results in reducing narcotic use and improving recovery, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA status II to III
* All patients undergoing elective CS under regional anesthesia at any gestational age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \- Known drug allergy to local anesthetics
* Planned general anesthetic
* NSAID use contraindicated post partum
* Chronic pain disorder or chronic narcotic use/dependence
* Planned vertical abdominal incision
* Planned Cesarean Hysterectomy.
* Placenta Previa or suspected Placenta Accreta

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta

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: Cesarean Section Complications, Pain, Postoperative

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.