Comparison of Exparel to Bupivacaine With Dexamethasone in TAP Block

Phase 4TerminatedNCT02179892

Colette Curtis MD9 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and duration of bupivacaine extended-release liposome injection (Exparel) versus bupivacaine with dexamethasone in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for patients undergoing abdominal surgery at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown. The investigators hypothesize that Exparel will provide greater postoperative pain relief than bupivacaine with dexamethasone. The investigators plan to enroll up to 50 male and female subjects meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria who will be randomized to receive either Exparel (Group 1) or bupivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone (Group 2) in the TAP block to achieve at least 22 subjects in each group

Group 1 will be administered 266 mg of Exparel, diluted to 30 mL. Group 2 will be given 28 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine and 8mg/2 mL dexamethasone.Before injection of the study medication, 2mL of normal saline with be injected under ultrasound visualization to ensure needle tip is in the transversus abdominis plane.Randomization will occur following the written informed consent and prior to the start of the surgical procedure. Postoperatively, study patients will receive intravenous acetaminophen 1000mg every 8 hours for 3 doses, then oral acetaminophen 650mg every 6 hours. Subjects will also have patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine or hydromorphone. The research staff recording data will be blinded to the treatment group. Demographic data will be recorded, including age, date of birth, height and weight to ensure similarity between the two groups. A medical history will be obtained as well as surgical and anesthesia details. Study patients will be followed for 72 hours postoperatively to record the amount of opioid consumption, as well as other pain score data using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).The subject's participation will end 72 hours after surgery. A telephone interview will occur with the subject if hospital discharge occurs prior to 72 hours.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

Interventions

Bupivacaine Extended-Release Liposome Injection (Exparel)DRUG

266mg/30mL of Exparel will be injected via unilateral TAP block

Bupivacaine and Dexamethasone InjectionDRUG

As a combination injection, 28 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine and 8 mg/2ml of dexamethasone will be injected via unilateral TAP block.

IV AcetaminophenDRUG

Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen 1000 mg every 8 hours for 8 doses.

Oral AcetaminophenDRUG

Oral acetaminophen 650 mg every 6 hours.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients undergoing scheduled abdominal surgery at Emory University Hospital or Emory University Hospital Midtown * Patients willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients less than 18 years of age, since Exparel has not been studied in this age group * Patients who are pregnant or lactating, since Exparel has not been shown to be safe in this population, and because of potential drug transfer to child * Patients with uncontrolled diabetes since dexamethasone may cause hyperglycemia * Patients with liver dysfunction, since bupivacaine is hepatically metabolized * Patients with renal failure, since bupivacaine is renally excreted, defined as requiring hemodialysis or renal replacement therapy * Patients with allergy to one of the study drugs * Patients with local infection, which may be exacerbated by dexamethasone * Patients with significant opioid tolerance, defined as taking at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, 3 mg oral oxycodone per day, 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patch, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 8 mg of oral hydromorphone per day or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for one week or longer * Patients with known coagulopathy, since bleeding risk is higher Patients who are getting neuraxial anesthesia for surgery

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Mean Opioid Consumption

The investigators will collect the total amount of opioid consumption for the 72 hour post operative period in each group.

Time frame: Post Surgery (Up to 72 Hours)

Secondary Outcomes

Mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain Score at Rest

The VAS method of pain assessment (scale of 1- 10) will be used to measure the participant's pain level at rest each day during the 72 hours post surgical period. One represents the lowest level of pain and 10 represents the highest level of pain.

Time frame: Post-Surgery 24 Hours, 48 Hours, 72 Hours

Mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain Score With Movement

The VAS method of pain assessment (scale of 1-10) will be used to measure the patient's level of pain with movement each day during the 72 hour post surgical period. One represents the lowest level of pain and 10 represents the highest level of pain.

Time frame: Post-Surgery 24 Hours, 48 Hours, 72 Hours

Mean Time of First Opioid Use

The time of first opioid use after surgery will be recorded for up to 72 hours.

Time frame: Post-surgery (Up to 72 Hours)