Regional TAP Block for Bariatric Patients

Transverse Abdominal Plane Blocks for Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Study

Addition of transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block to general anesthesia for morbidly obese patients (BMI >35) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery for weight loss will significantly reduce opioid use in the recovery room

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient must be 18 years of age or older and able to provide his or her own consent.
2. The patient is scheduled for bariatric surgery including laparoscopic gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.
3. The patient must be surgically and medically accepted for the procedure
4. Good functional status, ability to perform activities of daily living
5. The patients BMI > 35, no upper limit
6. Signed study specific informed consent prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with an allergy to local anesthetics
2. Patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathies including diabetes mellitus.
3. Patients with BMI <35
4. Patients with significant coronary artery disease
5. Patient refusal of block procedure.
6. Patients with chronic pain
7. Patients on pre-operative maintenance narcotics
8. American Society of Anesthesiologist classification system 4 (ASA 4) patients