Last reviewed · How we verify

TAP Anesthesia

University of Wisconsin, Madison · FDA-approved active Small molecule

TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane) anesthesia is a regional anesthesia technique that blocks nerves in the abdominal wall to provide pain relief for abdominal surgery.

TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane) anesthesia is a regional anesthesia technique that blocks nerves in the abdominal wall to provide pain relief for abdominal surgery. Used for Postoperative pain management for abdominal surgery, Intraoperative anesthesia for abdominal procedures.

At a glance

Generic nameTAP Anesthesia
Also known asbupivacaine, liposomal bupivacaine
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaAnesthesia
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

TAP anesthesia involves injection of local anesthetic into the plane between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles of the abdominal wall, targeting the thoracolumbar nerves that supply sensation to the anterior abdominal wall. This regional technique provides postoperative analgesia and reduces the need for systemic opioids. It is commonly used as part of multimodal anesthesia for abdominal surgical procedures.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: