Comparing two pain relief methods for cancer surgeries

Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block vs External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block in Subcostal Cancer Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional National Cancer Institute, Egypt · NCT06519708

This study tests which pain relief method works better after cancer surgeries: one that targets the back area or another that focuses on the side, to help patients feel less pain and breathe easier.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Cancer Institute, Egypt Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06519708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus external oblique intercostal plane block in managing postoperative acute pain for patients undergoing subcostal cancer surgeries. The erector spinae plane block targets the paraspinal region to provide visceral and somatic analgesia, while the external oblique intercostal plane block focuses on the thoracoabdominal nerves. Both techniques aim to improve pain management and respiratory function after surgeries like hepatectomy and nephrectomy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a BMI between 20-40 undergoing unilateral subcostal incisions for hepatectomy or nephrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, significant comorbidities, or those on chronic analgesic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and recovery for patients undergoing subcostal cancer surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar regional anesthesia techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age (18-65) Years.
* Both sexes.
* Body mass index (BMI): (20-40) kg/m2.
* American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status II, III.
* Type of surgery; unilateral subcostal incision in hepatectomy and nephrectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Subcostal incisions that are crossing the midline or midline incision.
* Age \<18 years or \>65 years
* BMI \<20 kg/m2 and \>40 kg/m2
* Known sensitivity or contraindication to drugs used in the study
* Contraindication to regional anesthesia e.g. local infection at the site of introduction, pre-existing peripheral neuropathies, and coagulopathy.
* Pregnancy.
* Physical status ASA IV
* patients on chronic analgesic therapy (daily morphine ≥30 mg or equivalent dose of other opioids or tramadol or any medication for neuropathic pain)
* patients with a history of drug abuse
* patients with neuropsychiatric diseases; patients with a history of chronic pain syndromes that may enhance sensitivity to pain, for example, fibromyalgia
* All patients who are going to have severe intra- or post-operative bleeding or will require postoperative mechanical ventilation are also excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 AnalgesiaErector Spinae Plane BlockExternal Oblique Intercostal Plane BlockSubcostal Cancer Surgeries
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.