Ultrasound-guided TAP and rectus sheath nerve blocks to improve recovery after open inguinal hernia repair.
Effect of Medial Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block and Rectus Sheath (RS) Block on Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery, a Prospective Randomized Double-blind Study (PRO-RSTAP)
This trial will test whether ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) and/or rectus sheath (RS) nerve blocks reduce opioid use and speed recovery in adults having open unilateral inguinal hernia repair.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tampere University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampere) |
| Trial ID | NCT07423910 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The PRO-RSTAP trial randomizes adults undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair into four groups in a 2×2 factorial, double-blind design: combined TAP and RS blocks, TAP only, RS only, or placebo blocks alongside standard perioperative care. Blocks are performed under ultrasound guidance and the primary outcome is total perioperative opioid consumption measured as intravenous morphine equivalents. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, need for rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to discharge, and unplanned hospital admission. The trial is conducted at Tampere University Hospital with standardized anesthesia and follow-up protocols.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair who can provide informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency, bilateral, or recurrent hernia surgery, or those with contraindications or allergies to regional anesthesia, are unlikely to qualify or derive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, these nerve blocks could lower opioid requirements, reduce pain and nausea, and help patients go home sooner after hernia repair.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of TAP or rectus sheath blocks in abdominal surgery have shown reduced opioid use and pain, but the combined TAP+RS approach for open inguinal hernia is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Emergency surgery * Bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernia * Contraindication to regional anesthesia or study interventions * Known allergy to local anesthetics * Inability to comply with study procedures
Where this trial is running
Tampere
- Tampere University Hospital — Tampere, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aki Lumme — Tampere University Hospital, Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County
- Study coordinator: Aki Lumme, MD
- Email: aki.lumme@pirha.fi
- Phone: +358331167232
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.