Continuous TAP blocks for major gynaecological surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A double blind, randomized, controlled study to assess the efficacy of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for analgesia and enhanced recovery following major gynaecological surgery.
IRAS ID
105147
Contact name
Geoffrey Lockwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Operations on the abdomen are painful. Morphine and similar pain killers have side effects that can slow recovery but local anaesthetics probably do not. Epidural injections relieve pain very effectively but complications can cause severe headaches in 1% of patients and side effects include difficulty passing urine and temporarily weakened leg muscles. They also demand a level of post-operative attention that many wards cannot offer. TAP blocks numb the abdominal wall and it is well documented that they provide analgesia for a few hours. The efficacy of continuous infusions into TAP blocks are not well established. A recent audit of our practice suggests they are useful but a randomized trial is needed to confirm that.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1250
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion