TAP BlockNCT06903182
Preoperative TAP Block Versus Postoperative TAP Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Preoperative TAP Block and Postoperative TAP block in people with TAP Block, run by University of Padova at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the regional anesthesia technique "TAP block" provide more analgesia when performed before or after the surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does preoperative TAP block provide greater analgesia than postoperative TAP block? Patients receiving preoperative… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- TAP Block
- What is being tested?
- Preoperative TAP Block and Postoperative TAP block
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 16 Jun 2025to 18 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- ASA I-II patients
- Age >18 years
- Informed consent
Who cannot join
- History of chronic pain
- Beta-blocker therapy
- Allergy to the drugs used in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the regional anesthesia technique "TAP block" provide more analgesia when performed before or after the surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does preoperative TAP block provide greater analgesia than postoperative TAP block? Patients receiving preoperative TAP block will have less pain and take less painkillers than patients receiving postoperative TAP block?
Participants will:
Receive preoperative or postoperative TAP block They will be asked about their pain levels during the hospital stay.
Read the detailed description
The TAP block is a safe, easy-to-perform, and effective technique for managing postoperative pain. It reduces opioid consumption and increases patient satisfaction. Despite recent studies indicating that postoperative TAP block might be more effective than preoperative TAP block in reducing opioid use within 24 hours, the optimal timing of its administration (before or after surgery) remains unclear.
In this study we will compare preoperative to postoperative TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecistectomy.
The primary aim of this study is to determine the difference in postoperative pain control between preoperative and postoperative TAP block administration in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The primary objective will be to evaluate the difference in postoperative pain at rest, 24 hours after surgery, between patients receiving preoperative versus postoperative TAP block. Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10.
Secondary objectives will be intraoperative and postoperative opioids, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain at resnt and on movement at 0,6,12,24 hours.
- Conditions
- TAP Block
- Being tested
- Preoperative TAP Block, Postoperative TAP block
- Keywords
- TAP block, laparoscopic cholecistectomy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Preoperative TAP BlockProcedure or surgery
Patients will receive preoperative TAP block
Postoperative TAP blockProcedure or surgery
Patients will receive postoperative TAP block
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Preoperative TAP block | Experimental | Patients will receive a preoperative TAP block with 40 mL (20 mL on the right side + 20 mL on the left side) of Ropivacaine 0.4% Receives: Procedure: Preoperative TAP Block |
| Postoperative TAP block | Active comparator | Patients will receive a postoperative TAP block with 40 mL (20 mL on the right side + 20 mL on the left side) of Ropivacaine 0.4% Receives: Procedure: Postoperative TAP block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Patient reported pain on movement at 24 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 24th hour after the end of the surgery.
Secondary outcomes (10)
Patient reported pain on movement (cough) at the end of the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at the end of the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 6 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 6th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on movement at 6 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 6th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 12 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 12th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on movement at 12 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 12th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 24 hours after the surgery
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
Measured: At the 24th hour after the end of the surgery.
Difference in intraoperative opioids
Difference in intraoperative fentanest in micrograms
Measured: From the enrollment to the extubation
Difference in postoperative opioids
Difference in postoperative morphine in milligrams
Measured: From the extubation to the 24th postoperative hours
Number of participants experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting
Patients will be asked to report nausea and or vomiting in the postoperative period
Measured: From extubation to the 24th postoperative hour
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Mar 2025
- Study start16 Jun 2025
- Primary completion18 Sep 2026
- Study completion18 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for TAP BlockStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Padova
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Alessandro De Cassai, University of Padova
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06903182
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 6126/AO/24
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Preoperative TAP Block Versus Postoperative TAP Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06903182
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 6126/AO/24
- Conditions
- TAP Block
- Keywords
- TAP block, laparoscopic cholecistectomy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of PadovaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 18 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the regional anesthesia technique "TAP block" provide more analgesia when performed before or after the surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does preoperative TAP block provide greater analgesia than postoperative TAP block? Patients receiving preoperative TAP block will have less pain and take less painkillers than patients receiving postoperative TAP block?
Participants will:
Receive preoperative or postoperative TAP block They will be asked about their pain levels during the hospital stay.
Detailed description
The TAP block is a safe, easy-to-perform, and effective technique for managing postoperative pain. It reduces opioid consumption and increases patient satisfaction. Despite recent studies indicating that postoperative TAP block might be more effective than preoperative TAP block in reducing opioid use within 24 hours, the optimal timing of its administration (before or after surgery) remains unclear.
In this study we will compare preoperative to postoperative TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecistectomy.
The primary aim of this study is to determine the difference in postoperative pain control between preoperative and postoperative TAP block administration in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The primary objective will be to evaluate the difference in postoperative pain at rest, 24 hours after surgery, between patients receiving preoperative versus postoperative TAP block. Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10.
Secondary objectives will be intraoperative and postoperative opioids, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain at resnt and on movement at 0,6,12,24 hours.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Preoperative TAP block | Experimental | Procedure: Preoperative TAP BlockPatients will receive a preoperative TAP block with 40 mL (20 mL on the right side + 20 mL on the left side) of Ropivacaine 0.4% |
| Postoperative TAP block | Active comparator | Procedure: Postoperative TAP blockPatients will receive a postoperative TAP block with 40 mL (20 mL on the right side + 20 mL on the left side) of Ropivacaine 0.4% |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- ASA I-II patients
- Age >18 years
- Informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- History of chronic pain
- Beta-blocker therapy
- Allergy to the drugs used in the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Preoperative TAP BlockPatients will receive preoperative TAP block | Procedure or surgery | Preoperative TAP block |
| Postoperative TAP blockPatients will receive postoperative TAP block | Procedure or surgery | Postoperative TAP block |
Primary outcome
Patient reported pain on movement at 24 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 24th hour after the end of the surgery.
Pain will be assessed with the 11 points NRS scale (0-10)
10 secondary outcomes
Patient reported pain on movement (cough) at the end of the surgery
Time frame: At the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at the end of the surgery
Time frame: At the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 6 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 6th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on movement at 6 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 6th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 12 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 12th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on movement at 12 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 12th hour after the end of the surgery.
Patient reported pain on rest at 24 hours after the surgery
Time frame: At the 24th hour after the end of the surgery.
Difference in intraoperative opioids
Time frame: From the enrollment to the extubation
Difference in postoperative opioids
Time frame: From the extubation to the 24th postoperative hours
Number of participants experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting
Time frame: From extubation to the 24th postoperative hour
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Effect of Double-Tap Optimization on Valve Expansion and Hemodynamics in Balloon-expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial (DO-OPT TAVI Trial)
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COMPARISON OF THE POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED QUADRO-ILIAC PLANE AND TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCKS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TOTAL LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY
Postoperative Pain Following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
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COMFORT Trial: Complex Obstetric Management With Focused Regional Transversus Abdominis Plane Block
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Preoperative TAP Block and Postoperative TAP block in people with TAP Block, run by University of Padova at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Patient reported pain on movement at 24 hours after the surgery (time frame: At the 24th hour after the end of the surgery.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Oct 2026.