Ultrasound-guided TAP block versus single-dose epidural for umbilical hernia pain control
Comparison of the Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and Single-dose Epidural Block in Patients Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Surgery.
This tests whether an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block or a single-dose epidural better controls postoperative pain in adults having elective umbilical hernia surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sakarya University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sakarya, Serdivan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07327463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational comparison of two routinely used analgesic approaches for adults undergoing elective umbilical hernia repair. Patients aged 18–65 with ASA physical status I–II receive either a single-dose epidural or a general anesthetic with a postoperative ultrasound-guided TAP block according to usual clinical practice. Pain intensity will be recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at predefined postoperative time points, together with measures of opioid consumption and patient satisfaction. The aim is to determine which approach provides better postoperative pain control and a more favorable side-effect profile in the immediate recovery period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 to 65 who are scheduled for elective umbilical hernia repair, classified ASA I or II, able to use the VAS, and willing to provide informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with ASA III or higher, coagulopathy, chronic opioid use or chronic pain syndromes, pregnancy, local infection at the block site, or known allergy to local anesthetics are unlikely to be appropriate or to benefit from the interventions in this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians choose the analgesic approach that gives better pain control with fewer opioid-related side effects after umbilical hernia surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized and observational reports have shown that TAP blocks can reduce postoperative pain scores and opioid use for abdominal wall surgery, though epidural analgesia remains a strong comparator and results across settings are mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 to 65 years * Patients scheduled for elective umbilical hernia surgery * ASA physical status I or II * Patients who undergo surgery under either: Single-dose epidural anesthesia, or general anesthesia with postoperative ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, as part of routine clinical practice * Ability to understand and use the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * ASA physical status III or higher * Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetic agents * Coagulopathy or ongoing anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy contraindicating regional anesthesia * Infection at the site of epidural or TAP block application * History of chronic pain, long-term opioid use, or chronic analgesic consumption * Neurological disorders affecting pain perception or assessment * Severe hepatic or renal disease * Pregnancy or lactation * Inability to cooperate with postoperative pain assessment or inability to use VAS * Emergency surgery
Where this trial is running
Sakarya, Serdivan
- Sakarya University-Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department — Sakarya, Serdivan, Turkey (Türkiye) (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.