Comparing two pain relief methods after breast reconstruction surgery

ESPBs vs TAPs for Satisfactory Analgesia Following DIEP Surgery

NA · University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06091241

This study is testing whether a new pain relief method before breast reconstruction surgery can help women feel less pain afterward compared to a standard method, with the goal of reducing the need for opioid medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT06091241 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two different regional anesthesia techniques, Erector Spinae Plane blocks (ESPBs) and Transversus Abdominis Plane blocks (TAPs), for managing postoperative pain in women undergoing Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap surgery. The study aims to determine if preoperative ESPBs can provide pain relief comparable to TAPs, potentially reducing the need for opioid pain medications. Participants will receive one of the two interventions before their surgery, and their pain levels will be monitored postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of each technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult women with breast cancer who are classified as ASA 1-3 and are scheduled for DIEP flap surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are chronic opioid users or have contraindications to local anesthetics or regional analgesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, enhancing recovery and reducing opioid dependency.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ESPBs can effectively reduce opioid requirements in similar surgical procedures, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult women with breast cancer, ASA 1-3, undergoing DIEP flap surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic opioid use contraindications to local anesthetics or regional analgesia Inability to communicate intensity of pain on a numeric analog scale

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Kansas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.