Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Abdominal nerve block versus thoracic epidural for pain after major abdominal cancer surgery

Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Combined Subcostal and Lateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Cancer Surgery

Run by Assiut University · NCT07273136 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This will test whether combined subcostal and lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks provide pain relief comparable to thoracic epidural anesthesia for adults having major abdominal cancer surgery.

More Postoperative Analgesia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorAssiut University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Asyut)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 10, 2025
Main results expectedApril 1, 2026
Study endsApril 1, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 11, 2025
Trial IDNCT07273136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18 or older with ASA physical status I–III who are scheduled for major abdominal cancer surgery and have no contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients with coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, morbid obesity, chronic opioid use, pregnancy, or unstable intraoperative hemodynamics are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for major abdominal cancer operations at Assiut University will receive either combined subcostal and lateral TAP blocks or thoracic epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain control. Pain scores, opioid consumption, recovery markers such as return of bowel function and pulmonary outcomes, and adverse events will be recorded after surgery. The trial compares the safety and efficacy of the two regional anesthesia approaches within perioperative care and enhanced recovery pathways. Procedures will be performed by anesthesiologists experienced in regional techniques and patients will be followed during the immediate postoperative period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, TAP blocks could offer similar pain relief with fewer side effects and simpler management than thoracic epidurals, potentially speeding recovery.

How similar studies have gone: TAP blocks have been shown in other studies to reduce opioid use and support enhanced recovery, but direct comparisons with thoracic epidurals are limited and results have been mixed.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years.
* Both sexes.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
* Scheduled for major abdominal surgeries including: (e.g., gastrectomy, colectomy, hepatectomy, cystectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, Nephrectomy, pancreatectomy).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intraoperative hemodynamic instability.
* History or evidence of coagulopathy.
* Infection or abdominal wall masses at injection site.
* Morbid obesity.
* Other Medical conditions including mental illness or substance abuse.
* Known allergy to local anesthetics.
* Chronic opioid use or chronic pain conditions.
* Pregnancy.

Where it's running

  • Assiut University
    Asyut, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.