Comparing two blocks for pediatric post-thoracotomy pain
Official title: Targeted Regional Analgesia for Post-Thoracotomy Ipsilateral Shoulder Pain in Pediatrics: Evaluating the Role of Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Interscalene Block" A Randomized Controlled Study.
Run by Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 · NCT07796399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a suprascapular nerve block or an interscalene block provides better pain relief for children after thoracic surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Egypt) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 9, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 9, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07796399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 5-18 years with ASA II-III undergoing elective open thoracotomy, without pre-existing shoulder conditions or contraindications to regional anesthesia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to regional blocks, coagulopathy, active infection at the injection site, or allergy to local anesthetics may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial in children aged 5-18 years undergoing open thoracotomy compares two regional analgesia techniques—suprascapular nerve block and interscalene brachial plexus block—when used with thoracic epidural analgesia. Participants are assigned to receive one of the blocks or epidural analgesia alone, with ultrasound guidance and standardized dosing of bupivacaine. Outcomes include postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events up to 24 hours after surgery. The goal is to determine which block better reduces shoulder-related pain after thoracotomy and whether either approach lowers opioid needs or complications compared with the control. The trial is conducted at Children's Cancer Hospital 57357 in Cairo, Egypt, enrolling about 126 patients across three arms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred block could offer better pain control and lower opioid use after pediatric thoracotomy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports regional analgesia for thoracic surgery, but direct pediatric comparisons between SSNB and ISB for ISP post-thoracotomy are limited, making this trial relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA physical status II-III * Elective open thoracotomy Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing shoulder pathology * Coagulopathy or infection at injection site * Allergy to local anesthetics * Neurological disorders involving upper limb
Where it's running
-
Children's Cancer Hospital 57357
Cairo, Egypt, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Suzan Adlan Khedr — Children's cancer hospital 57357
- Study coordinator: Nancy Ashraf Abdellatif
- Email: nancy.ashraf@57357.com
- Phone: +21141083507
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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.