Laparoscopic-assisted TAP block versus spraying local anesthetic on the liver during keyhole gallbladder removal
Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominus Plane Block Versus Intraperitoneal Irrigation of Local Anesthetic for Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - A Prospective, Randomised Clinical Trial
This study will test whether giving a TAP block or squirting local anesthetic onto the liver during elective keyhole gallbladder removal reduces post-operative pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06714279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Beaumont Hospital will receive either a laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block with bupivacaine or intraperitoneal irrigation of the same local anesthetic onto the liver during surgery. The local anesthetic used is already approved and the trial compares two delivery techniques to see which provides better early post-operative pain relief. Standard general anesthesia and multimodal analgesia (paracetamol and NSAIDs) will be provided per guidelines, and outcomes such as pain scores and opioid use in the first 24 hours will be recorded. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland sponsors this single-center study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy without contraindications to bupivacaine or laparoscopy are eligible.
Not a fit: Patients with known allergy to local anesthetics, those undergoing emergency surgery or converted to open procedures, or with contraindications to laparoscopy or bupivacaine are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one technique provides better pain control, patients could experience less post-operative pain, reduced opioid requirements, and quicker discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials and guideline reviews support local wound infiltration and TAP blocks for reducing post-operative pain, but results are mixed and the optimal method of administering local anesthetic remains unclear.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 years or older will be considered for recruitment into this study if they are indicated to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Patients failing to meet the above inclusion criteria.
Where this trial is running
Dublin
- Beaumont Hospital — Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arnold DK Hill, MB MCh FRCS — Rcsi
- Study coordinator: Matthew G Davey, MB BCh BAO MCh MRCSI PhD
- Email: matthewdavey21@rcsi.ie
- Phone: +353180320000
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.