M‑TAPA versus TAP block for pain after one-sided open inguinal hernia repair
Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Survey and Pain Follow-up in Patients Who Underwent M-Tapa Block and Transversus Abdominal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Unilateral Open Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery
We will test whether an M‑TAPA block or a TAP block gives better pain relief after elective unilateral open inguinal hernia surgery in adults aged 18–65.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Erzurum Regional Training & Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Erzurum) |
| Trial ID | NCT07311902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair at a single center will be assigned to receive either an ultrasound‑guided M‑TAPA block or an ultrasound‑guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block before surgery. Blocks are performed in a block room with light sedation (1–2 mg IV midazolam) and standard aseptic technique. For the M‑TAPA group 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected unilaterally at the costochondral angle under ultrasound guidance, while the TAP group receives a standardized ultrasound‑guided TAP injection per institutional technique. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption will be recorded to compare the two approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 years old with ASA I–II status scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair who are not pregnant, have BMI ≤30, and have no contraindications to local anesthetics or regional blocks.
Not a fit: Patients with bleeding disorders, infection at the injection site, allergy to study drugs, current anticoagulant use, BMI >30, pregnancy or lactation, substance abuse, or those who refuse the procedure are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better block technique could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use after open inguinal hernia repair.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional TAP blocks have been shown to reduce postoperative pain, while M‑TAPA is a newer variant with limited but promising early reports.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Exclusion Criteria: * History of bleeding diathesis * Allergy or sensitivity to local anesthetics and opioids * Infection in the area where the block will be applied * Alcohol or drug addiction * Patients with a BMI \> 30 * Suspected pregnancy * Women in pregnancy or lactation * Patients with allergies to study drugs * Patient refusal * Use of anticoagulant agents Inclusion Criteria: * Planning for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair surgery * ASA I-II status * Being between 18 and 65 years of age
Where this trial is running
Erzurum
- Erzurum Regional Education and Research Hospital — Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: omer doymus
- Email: omerdoymus@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905070370397
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.