Laparoscopic Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block to Reduce Post-operative Opioids

A total of 30ml of anesthetic (0.25% Bupivacaine HCL), 0.25% Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel®) or control will be injected into the transversus abdominis plane bilaterally. A long spinal needle attached to a 30cc syringe with the TAP block solution or control will be used to inject the patient. The needle puncture will be halfway between the subcostal margin and anterior superior iliac spine at the midclavicular line. With laparoscopic guidance, needle will enter through the skin, external oblique and internal oblique. Once the needle is in place, injection of 30 ml on each side will be applied between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle. The injection of bupivacaine into this abdominal wall induces an observable bulge, indicating accuracy of the procedure. These steps will be repeated on the contralateral side of the abdomen. All patients will receive 10 ml bupivacaine 0.25% pre-incision infiltration.