RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Analgesic Efficacy of Surgeon-administered Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks for Caesarean Section.

This research is investigating if a specific pain relief method, called a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block, can improve pain control for women having a C-section in the UK. A TAP block involves a surgeon giving an injection of a long-acting numbing medicine into the tummy muscles towards the end of the operation. We want to find out if this block helps reduce the amount of strong painkillers (like opioids) women need after their C-section. In other tummy operations, this type of injection has helped patients feel better and move around sooner, and has sometimes meant they could go home from hospital more quickly. This study will help us understand if these benefits also apply to C-sections.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

19 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Cesarean Section Complications Pain, Postoperative

What is this study about?

When you have a C-section, pain relief is really important for your comfort afterwards. Doctors are always looking for the best ways to help women manage pain so they can recover well and focus on their new baby. This study is testing a method called a TAP block to see if it makes a difference.

A TAP block is a type of local anaesthetic injection, similar to what a dentist might use to numb your mouth, but it's given by a surgeon into the muscles of your tummy, rather than deep inside your body, right at the end of your C-section. The aim of this numbing medicine is to block pain signals from reaching your brain for a longer period after your operation.

We already know that TAP blocks can be helpful for pain relief after other types of tummy surgery. For those operations, patients often need less strong pain medication, feel more active, and might even be able to go home sooner. This study wants to find out if these same benefits apply to women having a C-section, to hopefully make your recovery smoother and more comfortable.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to relieve pain after a C-section.
It tests a special numbing injection called a TAP block, given during surgery.
The goal is to reduce the need for strong painkillers and speed up recovery.
It's for women having a planned C-section under regional anaesthesia.
Participation involves monitoring your pain relief after the operation.
You can discuss any concerns with your healthcare team.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are having an elective (planned) C-section under regional anaesthesia (like an epidural or spinal numbing injection, where you're awake but numb from the waist down). You should generally be in good health, though it's okay if you have some mild to moderate health conditions.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you know you're allergic to numbing medicines, or if you're having a C-section where you need to be fully asleep (general anaesthetic). If you have a long-term pain condition, regularly take strong painkillers, or if your doctor has advised against certain common pain relief like ibuprofen after your C-section, you won't be able to take part.

Also, if your C-section involves a different type of cut to your tummy (a vertical one), or if you need a specific type of surgery called a Caesarean Hysterectomy, or if you have certain placenta conditions, this study isn't suitable for you. The study is for women aged 18 and over.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or over?
Are you having a planned C-section rather than an emergency one?
Will your C-section be done while you are awake (regional anaesthetic)?
Do you have any known allergies to numbing medicines like bupivacaine?
Do you already take strong painkillers regularly for a long-term pain condition?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll still have your C-section as planned. Towards the end of your operation, while you're still in the operating theatre, the surgeon will give you the TAP block injection into your tummy muscles. You'll then receive standard pain relief after your C-section, but we'll closely monitor how much pain relief you need and how well your pain is controlled. We'll ask you some questions about your pain levels and how you're feeling for a short period after the surgery, usually during your hospital stay. There aren't any extra clinic visits after you go home specifically for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that the TAP block might give you better pain relief after your C-section, potentially reducing how much strong pain medication you need and helping you recover more comfortably. The risks are generally low, as local anaesthetic injections are commonly used and safe, though there's always a very small risk of bruising or discomfort at the injection site. Your comfort and safety are paramount, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a C-section?

A C-section is a surgical operation where a baby is delivered through a cut in the mother's abdomen and womb.

What is a TAP block?

A TAP block is an injection of a numbing medicine given into the muscles of your tummy, aiming to reduce pain after surgery.

Who gives the TAP block?

The surgeon performs the TAP block towards the end of your C-section operation.

Will I be awake during the TAP block injection?

Yes, you will likely be awake, as it's given while you are still in the operating theatre at the end of your C-section, which is usually done under regional anaesthesia.

Will this injection hurt?

The area will already be numb from your C-section anaesthetic, so you should not feel any pain from the injection itself, just a bit of pressure.

How to find out more

Stephen Wood, MD

slwood@ucalgary.ca 4039441438 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.