Comparing two anesthesia techniques in bariatric surgery

External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06168903

This study is testing which anesthesia technique works better for pain management and reduces opioid use in people having laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Governorate)
Trial IDNCT06168903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of two anesthesia techniques, the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block and the erector spinae block (ESPB), in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. It is a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial conducted at Cairo University Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the EOI block or ESPB, and their intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain control in the first 24 hours, and need for rescue analgesics will be evaluated. The study aims to determine which technique provides better pain management and reduces opioid use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are obese patients aged 18 to 70 with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher and scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, coagulopathy, or those unable to comprehend pain assessment tools may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and reduced opioid consumption for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar anesthesia techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Obese patients of any gender with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35 kg/m2 with comorbidities or \> 40 kg/m2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III and aged between 18 and 70 years scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery, that is, sleeve gastrectomy and/or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, allergy to local anesthetics, severe hepatic or renal disease, severe cardiopulmonary disease (≥ ASA IV), diabetic or other neuropathies, patients receiving opioids for chronic analgesic therapy, and inability to comprehend visual analogue scale (VAS).

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Governorate

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 AnesthesiaBariatric Surgery CandidateRegional Anesthesia MorbidityExternal oblique intercostalErector spinae BlockBariatriclaparoscopy
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.