TAP block with bupivacaine versus bupivacaine plus ketamine for pain after total abdominal hysterectomy
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block : A Comparative Study Between Bupivacaine vs Bupivacaine With Ketamine in Total Abdominal Hystrectomy
This trial will see if adding ketamine to a TAP block with bupivacaine reduces pain and the need for extra pain medicine after total abdominal hysterectomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Trial ID | NCT07482709 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind phase 1/2 trial at Liaquat National Hospital enrolling 30 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy who are ASA I–II and aged 25–60. Participants are randomized to receive bilateral TAP blocks with either 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side or the same bupivacaine plus 50 mg ketamine prepared by an independent anesthesiologist. Postoperative pain is measured by VAS in the PACU and at 6, 12, and 24 hours, and timing and use of rescue analgesia (tramadol) are recorded alongside routine paracetamol and ketorolac. The trial compares acute pain scores and opioid-sparing effects between the two groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 25–60 with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy who consent to receive a TAP block may qualify.
Not a fit: Patients with BMI >35, coagulation disorders, local infection at the injection site, allergy to local anesthetic, substance abuse, or cognitive impairment are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, adding ketamine could lower postoperative pain scores and reduce the need for opioid rescue medication.
How similar studies have performed: Perineural ketamine has been explored in some peripheral nerve block studies with mixed results, and the specific addition of ketamine to TAP blocks has limited and not definitive prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 25 to 60 years. * ASA grade I \& II. * Undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. Exclusion Criteria: * BMI \>35kg/m2. * Patient refusal for participation. * Patients with coagulation disorders. * Patents with history of allergy and hypersensitivity to local anesthetic. * Patient having infection at the injection site. * Alcohol or drug abuse. * Cognitive or mental disorder.
Where this trial is running
Karachi, Sindh
- gynae operation theatre at Liaquat National Hospital — Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan (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.