Visually guided TAP block during laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair
Efficacy of Visually Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Recovery After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TAPP - Transabdominal Preperitoneal)
This will test whether giving a TAP nerve block under direct laparoscopic vision during elective TAPP inguinal hernia repair reduces postoperative pain and speeds recovery in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Olsztyn, Warmisko-mazurskie) |
| Trial ID | NCT07264699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective, randomized study will enroll 100 adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair and randomize them 1:1 to receive a bilateral visually guided TAP block or no block. In the intervention group surgeons will inject 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side under direct laparoscopic vision after pneumoperitoneum is established, while the control group will undergo the same operation without the TAP block. All participants receive standardized anesthesia and postoperative analgesia, and pain will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale at 0, 6, and 12 hours after surgery. The trial will be conducted at the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland, between 2025 and 2027 to determine whether the visually guided approach improves early pain control and recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 scheduled for elective laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair with ASA I–III who can give informed consent and have no contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recurrent or strangulated hernias, emergency surgery, chronic pain or preoperative opioid use, allergy to local anesthetics, severe hepatic or renal impairment, psychiatric inability to consent, or those converted to open surgery are unlikely to benefit from the protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce early postoperative pain and opioid needs, helping patients mobilize and recover sooner after laparoscopic hernia repair.
How similar studies have performed: Ultrasound-guided TAP blocks have repeatedly shown reductions in postoperative pain in abdominal surgery, and laparoscopic-guided TAP is a newer technique with promising but less extensive evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 years * Elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) technique * ASA physical status I-III * Ability to provide written informed consent * No contraindications to regional anesthesia or local anesthetic administration Exclusion Criteria: * Recurrent or strangulated inguinal hernia * Emergency surgery * Chronic pain syndromes or preoperative opioid use * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (bupivacaine or similar) * Severe hepatic or renal impairment * Psychiatric disorders or inability to provide informed consent * Conversion to open surgery during the procedure * Technical difficulties preventing TAP block administration
Where this trial is running
Olsztyn, Warmisko-mazurskie
- University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Department of General and Oncological Surgery — Olsztyn, Warmisko-mazurskie, Poland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marek Kowalczyk, PhD, MD — Clinic of Oncological and General Surgery, University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
- Study coordinator: Łukasz Dyśko, MD
- Email: lukaszdysko@gmail.com
- Phone: +48895245341
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.