Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Compared to Local Anesthetic Wound Infiltration in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
This study is being done to see if preoperative transversus abdominis plane (TAP) analgesia will provide similar postoperative pain control, hospital length of stay, and postoperative outcomes compared to surgeon-initiated wound infiltration with local anesthetic in participants undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic indications.
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
• Patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy via midline vertical skin incision for gynecologic indications at UW Hospital and Clinics
• Patients must be \>18 years old
• English speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires)
• Patients must have the ability to understand visual and verbal pain scales
• Patients must be eligible for TAP block placement. This will be confirmed during preoperative visit with the primary surgeon. Patient's are not eligible if they have allergies to the anesthetic medications or have had prior abdominal reconstructive surgery that would alter their abdominal wall anatomy in a way where the block would not be expected to be effective.