Optimal timing for TAP blocks in bariatric surgery
Single Blind Clinical Trial: Optimizing TAP Block Timing for Bariatric Surgery
This study is testing whether giving a pain relief shot earlier during bariatric surgery helps obese patients recover faster and use less pain medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06270147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the best timing for administering a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block during bariatric surgery, comparing early administration at the start of the procedure to the current practice of administering it at the end. The study focuses on obese patients undergoing primary bariatric surgeries such as Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Key outcomes include postoperative pain levels, opioid consumption, recovery duration, and respiratory function. The goal is to determine if early TAP block initiation can improve recovery and reduce opioid use, potentially establishing a new standard of care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing primary bariatric surgery at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery or those with a history of chronic pain or opioid use may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative pain management and reduced reliance on opioids for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Emerging studies suggest that early TAP block administration may enhance recovery and pain control, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton surgery including Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RYGB) * Patients \>18 Years of Age Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing a revisional bariatric surgery * Patients with a history of chronic pain or opioid use.
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - Charlton Campus — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
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.