TAP (transversus abdominis plane) block before versus after incision for abdominal surgery
Official title: Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks in Bariatric and General Surgery: Does Timing Matter?
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT07064200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether giving a TAP nerve block before the incision instead of after reduces pain and opioid use in adults having elective bariatric or other abdominal surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07064200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–65 scheduled for elective bariatric or other general abdominal surgery who can provide informed consent and are not allergic to local anesthetics.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, under 18, incarcerated, unable to consent, or allergic to the local anesthetics used would not be eligible and therefore would not receive benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–65 scheduled for elective bariatric or other general abdominal surgery who can consent and speak English will receive a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block given either before the surgical incision or after the incision. Pain scores, opioid consumption, and use of other pain medications after surgery will be recorded and compared between the two timing groups. People with allergies to local anesthetics, pregnant individuals, prisoners, minors, or those unable to consent are excluded. The procedure and follow-up take place at Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, timing the TAP block could lower postoperative pain and opioid requirements, improving recovery and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown TAP blocks reduce postoperative pain and opioid use, but evidence is mixed about whether giving the block before incision is better than after.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged between 18 and 65 years * Scheduled for elective bariatric surgery or other elective general abdominal surgeries * Proficient in English sufficient to understand study procedures and communicate effectively * Capable of providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals under 18 years of age (minors) * Pregnant individuals * Prisoners * Individuals with cognitive impairments or otherwise unable to provide informed consent independently * Individuals with known allergies or contraindications to local anesthetics used in TAP blocks
Where it's running
-
Weill Cornell Medical College - NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cheguevara Afaneh, MD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Cheguevara Afaneh, MD
- Email: cha9043@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: +1 646 962 8462
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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.