TAP block with bupivacaine versus bupivacaine plus ketamine for pain after total abdominal hysterectomy
Official title: Transversus Abdominis Plane Block : A Comparative Study Between Bupivacaine vs Bupivacaine With Ketamine in Total Abdominal Hystrectomy
Run by Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College · NCT07482709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 25 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07482709 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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gynae operation theatre at Liaquat National Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.