M-TAPA versus port-site local anesthetic for pain control after pediatric laparoscopic abdominal surgery
The Analgesic Efficacy of Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach for Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery in Children: Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether an ultrasound-guided M-TAPA nerve block reduces postoperative pain compared with standard port-site local anesthetic injections in children aged 1–7 having laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 7 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kasr El Aini Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Elmanial) |
| Trial ID | NCT07540689 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center randomized trial will enroll 60 children aged 1–7 undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Before incision participants are randomly assigned to either port-site infiltration with 0.17 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine (up to 2 mg/kg) at the three port sites or bilateral ultrasound-guided M-TAPA with 0.25 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic (rescue opioid/nonopioid) requirements will be recorded, and patients will be monitored for local anesthetic–related complications. The study compares analgesic efficacy and safety of the two techniques in the immediate postoperative period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 1–7 years with ASA physical status I–II who are scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery and whose parents consent to participation.
Not a fit: Children with bleeding disorders (INR >1.5 or platelets <50,000), known allergy to local anesthetics, infection at the injection site, or parental refusal are excluded and would not receive benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, M-TAPA could provide better or longer-lasting postoperative pain relief and reduce the need for opioids after pediatric laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Related abdominal plane blocks such as TAP and subcostal TAP have shown analgesic benefit in pediatric patients, but M-TAPA itself has limited pediatric trial data and is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (1-7) years. * Both genders. * American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) - physical status I-II. * Children undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * Parental refusal. * Bleeding disorders with INR \> 1.5 and/or platelets \< 50 000. * History of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. * Rash or signs of infection at the injection site.
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Elmanial
- Kasralainy Hospital — Cairo, Elmanial, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ahmed M Elhaddad, Ass.prof.
- Email: drblacksmith@gmail.com
- Phone: 01224042847
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.