Peripheral autonomic plus TAP blocks for pain after minimally invasive left-sided colorectal surgery
Peripheral Autonomic Block (BAP) Plus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAP) for Postoperative Analgesia After Minimally Invasive Left-Sided Colorectal Resection (BAPTAP): A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
This will try adding a peripheral autonomic block (targeting the superior hypogastric and inferior mesenteric plexuses) plus a TAP block to standard pain control in adults having elective minimally invasive left-sided colorectal surgery to see if it reduces pain and opioid use in the first 48 hours.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais) |
| Trial ID | NCT07388953 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial will enroll 140 adults undergoing elective laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection and randomly assign them 1:1 to either the combined peripheral autonomic plexus block plus bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (BAPTAP) with standardized multimodal analgesia or to standard multimodal analgesia with trocar/wound infiltration. The autonomic component targets the superior hypogastric and inferior mesenteric plexuses to address visceral pain while the TAP block targets somatic abdominal wall pain. Primary outcomes are pain intensity on the Numerical Rating Scale at predefined time points and cumulative opioid consumption (IV morphine equivalents) in the first 48 hours after surgery. Participants, postoperative care teams, and outcome assessors are blinded; the anesthesiologist performing the block is not involved in postoperative assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with ASA I–II status scheduled for elective laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection who can provide informed consent and do not have contraindications such as coagulation disorders or chronic opioid therapy are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients on chronic opioid therapy, those with coagulation disorders, severe obesity (BMI >35 kg/m²), pregnancy, or known allergy to local anesthetics are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined block approach could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use, shorten recovery milestones, and lower opioid-related side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Autonomic plexus blocks have shown promise in gynecologic and bariatric surgery and TAP blocks reduce somatic abdominal pain, but combining peripheral autonomic and TAP blocks for colorectal resection is relatively novel and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Elective laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resection * ASA physical status I-II * Ability to understand the study and sign informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to study medications (e.g., local anesthetics) * Coagulation disorders * Pregnancy * Inability to understand or provide consent * Chronic pain on opioid therapy * BMI \> 35 kg/m²
Where this trial is running
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
- Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte — Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matheus Mmmde Meyer, Md
- Email: matheusww@gmail.com
- Phone: 5531988044987
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.