Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Optimal timing for TAP blocks in bariatric surgery

Official title: Single Blind Clinical Trial: Optimizing TAP Block Timing for Bariatric Surgery

Run by McMaster University · NCT06270147 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorMcMaster University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 21, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 31, 2025
Study endsJune 28, 2025
Registry record updatedNovember 25, 2024
Trial IDNCT06270147 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing primary bariatric surgery at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: Emerging studies suggest that early TAP block administration may enhance recovery and pain control, indicating potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - Charlton Campus
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.