Comparing two pain relief techniques after thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Ultrasound-guided Rhomboid Intercostal Block Versus Retrolaminar Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Damanhour Teaching Hospital · NCT06653803

This study is testing which of two pain relief methods works better for adults recovering from surgery to treat sweating and other conditions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorDamanhour Teaching Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Damanhūr, El-Beheira)
Trial IDNCT06653803 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two regional analgesia techniques, Rhomboid Intercostal Block (RIB) and Retrolaminar Block (RLB), for managing postoperative pain in adult patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The study will involve 60 patients who will be randomly assigned to receive either RIB or RLB during their procedure under general anesthesia. The primary focus is to evaluate the impact of these techniques on pain control and overall patient outcomes following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 60 with an ASA physical status of II or less and a BMI under 35 kg/m².

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with severe comorbidities, chronic pain conditions, or contraindications to the analgesia techniques being tested.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific techniques of RIB and RLB are relatively novel, similar regional analgesia approaches have shown promise in managing postoperative pain in other surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status ≤ II
* Age from 18 to 60 years
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 35 kg/m²

Exclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status \> II
* Age \< 18 years or \> 60 years
* Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35
* Local infection at the puncture site
* Altered mental status
* Pregnant women
* Allergy to study drugs
* Chronic pain
* Coagulation abnormalities or on anticoagulants
* Severe hepatic or kidney disease

Where this trial is running

Damanhūr, El-Beheira

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 Operative PainRhomboid Intercostal BlockRetrolaminar BlockRegional Analgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.