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TAP Versus Thoracic Epidural in Major Abdominal Resections

Efficacy and Safety of Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks Versus Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Resections: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02197988
Enrollment
75
Registered
2014-07-23
Start date
2013-12-03
Completion date
2016-08-31
Last updated
2018-04-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Malignant Neoplasm of Abdomen, Surgery

Keywords

Surgery, Abdominal, Epidural Anesthesia, Transversus Abdominis Plane Block, TAP block

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two standard methods of pain control management used at Spectrum Health for patients undergoing major surgery. The two methods being compared are the thoracic epidural and the TAP block. The thoracic epidural method involves medication being given through a patient's back and the TAP block involves medication being given through a patient's abdomen (belly). The investigators will compare side effects experienced by the patients that take part in this study, including a change in blood pressure, as well as the patients' opinions about their pain management experience after surgery.

Detailed description

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical profiles of two currently acceptable analgesia techniques in terms of incidence of hypotension with subsequent fluid administration and pain control by evaluation of both objective and subjective data. The investigators will also compare any additional hospital costs associated with side effect management related to either analgesia method. This study is a prospective, randomized, open-label trial. Patients who agree to participate and satisfy the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be randomized at the time of enrollment into one of two groups (thoracic epidural or TAP block) using a randomization tool created for the study. Patients will undergo their scheduled surgery and receive the analgesic method to which they have been randomized. Both methods (thoracic epidural or TAP block) are performed routinely at Spectrum Health and are considered routine care. Data collected will include medical history and demographics from the patient's medical record. Intraoperative data will include length of surgery, estimated surgical blood loss, complications, blood pressure and medication requirements. Postoperative data will include episodes of hypotension (defined as a systolic BP \< 90), fluid requirement in first 24 hours and first 72 hours, pain scores, narcotic usage, return to bowel function (as defined by flatus), time to tolerating a soft or regular diet, and complications. Data will also be collected via a survey each study patient will complete for study purposes only.

Interventions

DRUGExparel 1.33% (20ml Volume)

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block

DRUG0.125% bupivicaine with 2 mcg/ml Fentanyl.

Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia

Sponsors

Corewell Health West
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* All patients male or female \>18 years old who are scheduled to undergo a major abdominal surgery. Abdominal procedures include, but are not limited to: pancreaticoduodenectomies, distal pancreatectomies, bowel resection, liver resection, esophagectomies, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, retroperitoneal excisions and large genitourinary procedures * Patients determined by their surgeon as medically able to receive a thoracic epidural or a TAP block interchangeably after consideration of both procedures * Patient agrees to participate in this study and provides informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Surgical cases combined with thoracic surgeries * Surgical cases where the abdominal operation is performed laparoscopically * Patients that have allergies to lidocaine, bupivacaine, levobupivacaine or hydromorphone * Patients that are on anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications at time of surgery other than aspirin * Surgical cases that typically do not require a regional block in addition to general anesthesia (e.g., cutaneous operations) * Adults unable to provide informed consent * Children * Pregnant women * Prisoners * Non-English speaking subjects * Any other medical condition including mental illness or substance abuse deemed by the investigator to be likely to interfere with a subject's ability to provide informed consent, cooperate and take part in this research study

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
HypotensionFirst 24-72 hours postoperativelyThe incidence of systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg and fluid requirements

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Patient satisfaction relative to pain control and amount of additional narcotic usagePost operative day two during hospitalizationA short patient survey during the postoperative period which will collect information on pain management.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cost EvaluationPostoperative hospitalization an expected average of 6 monthsEvaluate costs incurred relative to adverse side effect management and pain management related to either the TAP block or thoracic epidural.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026