Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) vs. Trigger Point Injection (TPI) for Abdominal Wall Pain

Overview

About this study

Patients with chronic abdominal pain- with a component of abdominal wall pain- are often treated with trigger point injections. This study will help to determine if a block within the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) will provide superior analgesic benefit to a trigger point injection as therapy for these patients.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Only patients referred to Pain Clinic for a trigger point injection.

  • Non-cancer pain greater than 3 months duration.
  • Unilateral abdominal pain.
  • Positive Carnett's sign (A test in which acute abdominal pain remains unchanged or increases when the muscles of the abdominal wall are tensed.)
  • An identifiable abdominal trigger point.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of chronic psychotic disorder.
  • History of dementing illness.
  • Active abdominal visceral disease as a known contributor of the pain.
  • Abdominal surgery in the past 6 months.
  • More than one trigger point.
  • Abdominal wall hernias.
  • BMI>40.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Susan Moeschler, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available

Additional contact information

Non-cancer trials contact form

Phone: 800-664-4542 (toll-free)

International patient clinical studies questions