Combined spinal-epidural versus erector spinae plane block for pain after elective cesarean
Official title: Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effectiveness of Combined Spinal Epidural Analgesia and Erector Spinae Plane Block in Elective Cesarean Section
Run by Bursa City Hospital · NCT07411521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether an erector spinae plane block provides as much or better postoperative pain relief than combined spinal-epidural analgesia for women undergoing elective cesarean section.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bursa City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Bursa, Nilüfer) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07411521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18–45 with singleton term pregnancy, ASA physical status I–II, scheduled for elective cesarean under regional anesthesia who can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, BMI > 40 kg/m², chronic opioid use or chronic pain disorders, significant neurological disorders, or severe obstetric complications are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective interventional comparison enrolling 90 women aged 18–45 with ASA I–II status undergoing elective cesarean at Bursa City Hospital. Participants are allocated into two groups: one receiving combined spinal-epidural analgesia per institutional protocol, and the other receiving spinal anesthesia followed by an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block at the end of surgery. Postoperative pain intensity will be measured with the visual analog scale at multiple time points (for example 0, 1, 6, 12 hours) and recovery will be tracked using obstetric recovery metrics and opioid consumption. The study aims to compare analgesic effectiveness, recovery profiles, and potential procedure-related issues between the two approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the erector spinae plane block could offer similar or improved pain relief with fewer technical challenges and lower opioid requirements after cesarean delivery.
How similar studies have gone: Recent small studies and case series have reported promising analgesic effects of the erector spinae plane block in abdominal and obstetric surgeries, but direct head-to-head comparisons with combined spinal-epidural analgesia remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Female patients aged 18-45 years Scheduled for elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II Singleton pregnancy at term gestation Ability to understand the study protocol and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Refusal to participate in the study Contraindications to regional anesthesia (coagulopathy, infection at injection site, severe hypovolemia) Known allergy to local anesthetics or study medications Body mass index (BMI) \> 40 kg/m² Chronic opioid use or chronic pain disorders Neurological disorders affecting sensory assessment Severe obstetric complications (e.g., preeclampsia, placenta previa, fetal distress)
Where it's running
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Bursa City Hospital
Bursa, Nilüfer, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Serra Topal — Bursa City Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yasemin Nur Tekin
- Email: yaseminnurguney@gmail.com
- Phone: +905365541611
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Photobiomodulation to help pain after cesarean delivery
This study tests whether a portable light therapy device can reduce pain and improve recovery after cesarean section when added to standard pain management."
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Interferential Current vs TENS for Pain After Cesarean Section
This study tests whether interferential current therapy or conventional TENS can reduce pain and improve comfort after cesarean delivery, compared with placebo, in first-time mothers.
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Predictors of severe pain within 24 hours after cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia
This study will look at which pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors are linked to severe pain in the first 24 hours after an elective cesarean done with spinal anesthesia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.