Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block
This study aims to assess the efficacy of Transversus Abdominus Plane (TAP) blocks, a well-established anesthetic technique, to decrease the amount of post-operative pain in patients who undergo minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. During minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries, the abdomen is inflated with pressurized air for visualization purposes and released at the end of the surgery. Traditionally, TAP blocks are performed by injecting long-acting local anesthetic agents under ultrasound guidance into the abdominal wall after abdominal surgery after the air has been emptied from the abdomen for additional anesthetic coverage post-operatively. This study proposes a novel approach: that performing TAP blocks while the abdomen is still insufflated will result in better post-operative pain outcomes as compared to the traditional method.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Female gynecological patients between 18 years and 85 years consented and scheduled for an obstetrics/gynecology laparoscopic procedure. Consent received to receive a TAP block.  Exclusion Criteria:  Patients who are not proficient in the English language or cannot consent Patients who have an allergy to local anesthetics (amides) Patients with subcutaneous emphysema Patients whose surgical procedures require incisions above the umbilicus - HealthyVolunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers - Gender: Female - MinimumAge: 18 Years - MaximumAge: 85 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult