Comparing two pain relief techniques after thoracic surgery

Comparison Between Retrolaminar Block Combined With Erector Spinae Plane Block, and Erector Spinae Plane Block Alone for Post-thoracotomy Pain

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT05791539

This study is testing which pain relief method works better for adults having thoracic surgery: using just one type of anesthesia or combining two types.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT05791539 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two regional anesthesia techniques for managing post-thoracotomy pain: the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) alone and the combination of ESPB with a retrolaminar block (RLB). Post-thoracotomy pain is a significant issue that can lead to complications, and the study aims to determine which technique provides better pain relief. Participants will be adults aged 18-65 undergoing open thoracic surgery, and the study will assess pain levels and recovery outcomes. The research is being conducted at Cairo University.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a BMI between 20 and 40, classified as ASA I or II, who are undergoing open thoracic surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to local anesthetics, psychological disorders, chronic pain, or significant coagulopathies 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 thoracic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the efficacy of the erector spinae plane block has been reported, this specific comparison with the retrolaminar block is novel and not extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1. Inclusion criteria

  * Age from 18-65 years.
  * body mass index (BMI) ranged between 20 and 40 kg/m2
  * ASA I, II patients undergoing open thoracic surgery through a posterolateral thoracotomy 2. Exclusion criteria
  * Patient refusal.
  * Sensitivity or contraindication to local anesthetic drugs.
  * History of psychological disorders and/or chronic pain.
  * Localized infection at the site of the block.
  * Coagulopathies, patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets, and significant liver or renal insufficiency

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 Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.