Tummy tuck pain relief: nerve block may cut opioid use

NCT ID NCT01604694

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether an ultrasound-guided nerve block (TAP block) using the anesthetic levobupivacaine could reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Fifty-two adults undergoing the surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the active nerve block or a placebo (saline) injection. The main goal was to measure opioid use in the first 24 hours after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: levobupivacaine (a local anesthetic) given as a TAP block injection
What this could lead to: If effective, this could provide a standard way to reduce pain and opioid use after tummy tuck surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center trial with only 52 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The benefit over placebo may be modest.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ABDOMINOPLASTY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Bites and Stings

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ABDOMINOPLASTY TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE (TAP) BLOCK

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU de Bordeaux, Centre François-Xavier Michelet

Bordeaux, 33076, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.