Combined Transversus Abdominis Plane and Rectus Sheath Blocks in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Protocol for a Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial ( PRO ‐ RSTAP )
Authors' conclusion
This randomized controlled trial is designed to determine whether combining TAP and RS blocks improves postoperative analgesia and recovery after open inguinal hernia repair.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing elective open inguinal hernia repair, three hospitals in Finlandplanned, randomised equally
- Participants
- 200 adults
- Comparison
- Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, rectus sheath (RS) block, or combined TAP + RS block vs placebo blocks
- Primary endpoint
- Cumulative perioperative opioid consumption from block administration until hospital discharge (IV morphine equivalents)
- Follow-up
- Until hospital discharge
Methodological detailsprospective, double-blind, four-arm, multicentre (three hospitals), intention-to-treat, Standardised sedation and multimodal analgesia (paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rescue opioids) in all patients, 80% power to detect a clinically meaningful reduction in opioid use (two-sided α = 0.05), No interim efficacy analysis planned; safety monitored continuously
- Prospective
- Double-blind
- Four-arm
- Multicentre (three hospitals)
- Intention-to-treat
- Standardised sedation and multimodal analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs, rescue opioids) in all patients
- 80% power to detect a clinically meaningful reduction in opioid use (two-sided α = 0.05)
- No interim efficacy analysis planned; safety monitored continuously
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
- Trial ongoing; first participant enrolled September 2025
Original publication
Combined Transversus Abdominis Plane and Rectus Sheath Blocks in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Protocol for a Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial ( PRO ‐ RSTAP ). Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. Published 6 May 2026. doi:10.
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