Comparing two methods for pain relief after abdominal surgery

Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Erector Spinal Block - Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Analgesic Effect in Patients After Abdominal Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Jagiellonian University · NCT05446727

This study is testing two different pain relief methods after abdominal surgery to see which one helps patients feel better and recover faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorJagiellonian University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cracovia, Maloposkie)
Trial IDNCT05446727 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of two local anesthetic techniques, the Quadratus Lumborum Block (QL block) and the Erector Spinal Block (ESP), for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The QL block targets pain from various sources, including incisional and visceral pain, while the ESP aims to block nerve structures in the paravertebral space. Patients will receive an injection of Ropivacaine, and their pain levels will be monitored to determine which method provides better analgesia. The study aims to improve recovery times and reduce the risk of chronic pain development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who are undergoing abdominal surgery and are expected to stay in the hospital overnight.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater, chronic pain syndromes, or those on long-term opioid therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients after abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with both QL and ESP blocks, indicating potential for success in this comparative approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients requiring abdomen surgery
* Patients of age 18 and over
* BMI \< 40
* Patients who are expected to stay in-hospital overnight after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* Contraindications to paravertebral blocks: Infection at the site of needle insertion, empyema, allergy to local anesthetic drugs, and tumor occupying the thoracic paravertebral space, coagulopathy, bleeding disorder or therapeutic anticoagulation
* Known allergy to local anesthetics
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Inability to use a PCA due to languate or comprehension barriers
* BMI \>= 40
* Any patient on opioids for greater than or equal to 3 months duration prior to surgery
* Patients with chronic pain syndromes

Where this trial is running

Cracovia, Maloposkie

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 Pain, AcutePostoperative PainAnesthetics, LocalAnestheticsLocal Anesthetics
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.