Surgical Site Infiltration of Exparel vs TAP Block With Exparel in Patients Undergoing Laparotomy Via Midline Incision

Recent studies suggest surgical site infiltration of local anesthetic into the preperitoneal, subfascial and/or subcutaneous planes as an alternative approach. The literature suggests this offers superior pain relief and significantly reduced morphine consumption. This procedure has been shown to provide excellent analgesia in open inguinal hernia repair and colorectal procedures up to 72 hours after a single injection. However, there is limited published data comparing TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine and surgical site infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine in open hysterectomy patients. The investigators propose to prospectively study the efficacy of surgical site infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine versus TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine in patients with suspected or known gynecologic malignancies undergoing midline laparotomy. The investigators hypothesize that surgical site infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine is more effective than TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine in this patient population. The investigators primary outcome will be postoperative total 48 hour opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes will include visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and upon exertion (Valsalva maneuver) at 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively, severity of nausea, episodes of vomiting and total antiemetics consumption postoperatively. Pain scores and severity of nausea scores will be collected in person or over the phone. The investigators expect the results of this study to demonstrate that surgical site infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine in patients with suspected or known gynecologic malignancies undergoing midline laparotomy may help shorten the recovery period and reduce the need for postoperative opioid medications. Furthermore, generally patients undergoing procedures such as tumor debulking and lymph node dissection would have an extended hospitalization. If surgical site infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine administration is found to decrease the length of hospitalization (versus TAP Block with liposomal bupivacaine), it will significantly decrease the health care costs.