M-TAPA versus M-TAPA plus EXOP for pain after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

Comparison of the Effects of M-TAPA Versus the Combination of M-TAPA and EXOP Blocks on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgeries

Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital · NCT07264855

We will try combining M-TAPA and EXOP nerve blocks to see if people having laparoscopic gynecologic surgery have less pain in the first 24 hours than those who receive M-TAPA alone.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexFemale
SponsorBakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital (other gov)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Bakirkoy)
Trial IDNCT07264855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia approaches—M-TAPA alone versus M-TAPA combined with an external oblique plane (EXOP) block—in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic procedures. The choice of block is made by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine care and the researcher does not alter clinical decisions; no experimental drugs or devices are used. Outcomes include pain scores over the first 24 hours, requirement for rescue analgesics, and recovery quality measured by the QoR-15, with sensory distribution checked by pinprick testing. Demographic data, block type, and routine postoperative follow-up by the hospital pain team are recorded for analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–90 with ASA physical status I–III scheduled for elective laparoscopic gynecologic surgery without contraindications to regional blocks are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, chronic opioid or substance dependence, BMI ≥35 kg/m², pregnancy, conversion to open surgery, or severe systemic disease are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If the combined blocks work better, patients could have lower pain scores, reduced opioid requirements, and improved early recovery after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Prior reports indicate M-TAPA reduces anterior abdominal wall pain and EXOP may help lateral abdominal pain, but direct evidence for the combined M-TAPA+EXOP approach is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
* Age 18-90 years
* ASA physical status I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to block procedures (coagulopathy, anticoagulant therapy, local infection at needle insertion site, etc.)
* Severe cardiac, renal, hepatic, hematologic, neurologic, or psychiatric disease
* Allergy to amide-type local anesthetics
* Chronic pain, narcotic or alcohol dependence
* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²
* Pregnancy
* Refusal to participate
* Conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Bakirkoy

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: Postoperative Pain, Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery, M-TAPA block, External Oblique Plane Block, Postoperative pain, Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

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.