Comparing two pain management techniques after lung surgery
Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia After Thoracotomy: A Randomized Controlled Assessor-blinded Non-inferiority Trial
This study is testing whether a new pain management technique using an ultrasound-guided block is just as good as the traditional epidural method for helping people feel better after lung surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Seoul National University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seoul) |
| Trial ID | NCT05008614 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block compared to thoracic epidural analgesia for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer. Adult patients are randomly assigned to receive either the ESP block or thoracic epidural analgesia before surgery. Pain severity is assessed by a blinded investigator on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 using a numeric rating scale. The study aims to determine if the ESP block is as effective as the traditional epidural method in controlling pain after surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for elective thoracotomy for lung cancer with a good performance status.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic postoperative pain, those undergoing chest wall resection, or those with significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and effective pain management option for patients undergoing thoracotomy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, suggesting that the ESP block may be a viable alternative to traditional epidural analgesia.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled to undergo elective thoracotomy for lung cancer * European Cooperative Oncology Group 0 or 1 * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification I-III * Willingness and ability to sign an informed consent document Exclusion Criteria: * patients with chronic postoperative pain after thoracic surgery * patients undergoing thoracotomy with chest wall resection * allergies to anesthetic or analgesic medications * patients with coagulopathy or who continue to take anticoagulants * preoperative liver or renal dysfunction * patients with chronic pain, chronic opioid, analgesic or antidepressant or anticonvulsant use * Do not understand our study * Medical or psychological disease that can affect the treatment response
Where this trial is running
Seoul
- Seoul National University Hospital — Seoul, Korea, Republic of (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hojin Lee, MD
- Email: zenerdiode03@gmail.com
- Phone: 82-2-2072-0039
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.