Abdominal Wall Block Study

A Prospective and Randomized Comparison of Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Versus Rectus Sheath Blocks as a Primary Anesthetic for Abdominal Wall Surgery in Adults.

Compare the ability of the transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and rectus sheath block (RSB) to provide surgical anesthesia for overweight and obese patients undergoing umbilical hernia surgery.

The purpose of this research study is to compare the ability of the TAPB and RSB to provide anesthesia for overweight and obese patients undergoing abdominal wall surgery. At the present time, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which often poses increased risks for overweight and obese individuals. It is not known if these blocks could be used to avoid the use of general anesthesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients ≥ 18 years of age undergoing umbilical hernia repair
• Overweight and obese individuals (defined as a body mass index of ≥ 25 and 30 kg/m2, respectively)
• Ability to understand and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal or inability to provide informed consent
• True allergy, not sensitivity, local anesthetics
• True allergy, not sensitivity, Propofol
• True allergy, not sensitivity, general anesthetic agents
• Pregnancy
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Evidence of infection at or near the proposed needle insertion site
• Any sensorimotor deficit, whether acute or chronic, as determined by the PI
• Chronic use of opioid medication