Comparing two pain relief methods after pancreas surgery

Rectus Sheath Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for Pain Control Following Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Non-Inferiority Trial

PHASE2 · Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota · NCT06411795

This study is testing whether a new way of giving pain relief after pancreas surgery works just as well as the traditional method, to help patients feel better with fewer risks.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMasonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06411795 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of rectus sheath block with liposomal bupivacaine versus thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) for pain management in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either a continuous infusion of anesthetics through an epidural catheter or an injection of long-acting local anesthetic into the abdominal muscle layers. The goal is to determine if the rectus sheath block provides comparable pain relief to TEA while potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with epidurals. The study aims to improve postoperative pain control for patients undergoing this complex surgical procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 and older scheduled for open pancreaticoduodenectomy at the University of Minnesota.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to block placement, chronic opioid use, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and effective pain management option for patients after pancreatoduodenectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that epidurals are effective for postoperative pain control, but the use of rectus sheath blocks with liposomal bupivacaine is a relatively novel approach that requires further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients, age 18 and older, undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy at the University of Minnesota will be included in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindication to block placement (coagulopathy, local anesthetic allergy, infection)
* Patients with chronic opioid use (at least 30 milligram morphine equivalents \[MME\] for 3 or more weeks leading up to surgery)
* Patients unable to understand the quality of recovery survey intellectual barriers. This will be determined by the primary investigator/attending anesthesiologist's discretion
* Patient refusal and those who have opted out of research
* Pregnant patients - will be assessed through review of the medical record

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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: Duodenal Neoplasm, Pancreatic Neoplasm

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.