Comparing pain management techniques for acute appendicitis in the emergency department

Comparison of the Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block in the Management of Acute Appendicitis Pain in the Emergency Department

Observational Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT06808087

This study is testing if two different anesthesia techniques can help manage pain better than tramadol for people with acute appendicitis before they have surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle)
Trial IDNCT06808087 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two regional anesthesia techniques, the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and the erector spinae plane (ESP) block, compared to tramadol for managing pain in patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Patients presenting with abdominal pain will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to receive either the TAP block, ESP block, or tramadol prior to surgery. Pain levels will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to determine which method provides optimal pain control before surgical intervention. The study aims to enhance pain management practices in emergency settings for appendicitis patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with acute appendicitis and are scheduled for emergency surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with specific contraindications such as anatomical abnormalities, allergies to local anesthetics, or those who are hemodynamically unstable may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with acute appendicitis, enhancing their comfort and overall surgical experience.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with regional anesthesia techniques for pain management in surgical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years and older
* Patients who provide written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with abdominal wall anatomical abnormalities
* Patients with known local anesthetic allergies
* Patients with a BMI \>30
* Patients weighing less than 45 kg
* Patients with coagulopathy
* Patients with opioid, alcohol, or substance dependence
* Patients with skin infections at the site of local anesthetic administration
* Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
* Hemodynamically unstable patients
* Patients with liver or kidney failure
* Patients with chronic pain conditions
* Patients who have difficulty cooperating or have language barriers
* Patients who do not provide written consent
* Patients under 18 years of age

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Yenimahalle

Study contacts

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 Acute AppendicitisTransversus Abdominis Plane BlockErector Spinae Plane BlockPain ManagementEmergency Department
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.