Comparing Local Anesthetics for TAP Block During Abdominally-based Free Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Double-Blinded Randomized Control Trial Comparing Liposomal Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine Hydrochloride in Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks Prior To DIEP Flap for Breast Reconstruction

This study will compare the efficiency of transversus abominus plane (TAP) block using liposomal bupivacaine versus plain bupivacaine that is administered in the operating room under ultrasound guidance prior to the in patients undergoing abdominally-based free flap breast reconstruction at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) blocks are commonly used as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized control trial compares post-operative pain and narcotic consumption after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) compared to bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl). Subjects undergoing DIEP flaps were randomly assigned LB or BHCl, performed using ultrasound-guided TAP block technique pre-procedurally. Primary outcomes were postoperative narcotic analgesia required in oral morphine equivalents (OME) from postoperative day (POD) 0 to 7. Secondary outcomes included POD 1-7 pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), non-narcotic pain medication consumption, time to first narcotic use, return of bowel function, and length of stay (LOS).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 18-85 years
2. males or females
3. plastic surgery for abdominally-based free flap breast reconstruction.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. those not candidates for TAP blocks due to allergies to the medications (e.g., bupivacaine)
2. those with anatomic contra-indications to performing a TAP block
3. those unwilling to participate in follow-up assessments
4. vulnerable populations
5. chronic pain or associated diagnosis