Adding a sacral multifidus plane block to a posterior transversus abdominis plane block for pain control after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Comparison of Posterior Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Combined With Sacral Multifidus Plane Block Versus Posterior Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07280949

This trial tests whether adding a sacral multifidus plane block to a posterior transversus abdominis plane block gives better pain control for adults having elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07280949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery are randomly assigned after induction of general anesthesia to receive either ultrasound‑guided posterior TAP block alone or a combined sacral multifidus plane block (SMPB) plus posterior TAP block. Blocks are performed under ultrasound by experienced anesthesiologists before the surgical incision, with standard intraoperative monitoring and anesthetic maintenance. The study compares perioperative analgesic efficacy, opioid requirements, and safety outcomes between the two groups. Patients with major comorbidities, BMI over 30, chronic opioid use, or intraoperative conversion to open surgery are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–90 with ASA physical status I–III undergoing elective laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery (including procedures with perineal incisions) who do not have contraindications to regional blocks are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients converted to open laparotomy, those with BMI > 30 kg/m2, coagulation issues, chronic opioid dependence, neuropathies, severe organ failure, or postoperative ICU transfer are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined block approach could reduce postoperative pain and opioid needs after laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Posterior TAP blocks have prior evidence for reducing postoperative pain and opioid use, while the sacral multifidus plane block is a newer regional technique and combinations of these blocks have limited published data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 90 years
* Male or female
* ASA class I to III
* Elective laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery with or without resections requiring perineal incisions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* History of previous abdominal surgery, preoperative bowel obstruction symptoms, and requirement for emergency surgery
* Conversion to open laparotomy
* Coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, allergy to local anesthetics, body mass index \> 30 kg/m2, severe hepatic or renal disease, severe cardiopulmonary disease (≥ ASA IV), diabetic or other neuropathies, patients receiving opioids for chronic analgesic therapy, inability to comprehend visual analogue scale (VAS) and patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) post-surgery.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Governorate

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnesthesiaPosterior Transversus Abdominis Plane BlockSacral Multifidus Plane BlockLaparoscopic Colorectal Surgerytransversus abdominis plane blockSacral blockLaparoscopicColorectal surgeries
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.