Comparing two types of nerve blocks for pain relief in obese patients

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. A Randomized Comparative Trial

Not applicable Interventional Kasr El Aini Hospital · NCT06841783

This study is testing two different nerve block methods to see which one helps obese patients feel less pain after surgery while using fewer opioids.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKasr El Aini Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06841783 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different nerve block techniques, the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and the modified thoracoabdominal nerve block (M-TAPA), for managing postoperative pain in patients with morbid obesity. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two nerve blocks prior to surgery, and their pain levels will be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) postoperatively. The study seeks to reduce reliance on opioids for pain management, aligning with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) guidelines. Comprehensive preoperative assessments will be conducted to ensure patient safety and suitability for the procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are obese patients aged 18 to 65 with ASA II or ASA III classifications.

Not a fit: Patients who are uncooperative, have allergies to local anesthetics, or have anatomical abnormalities at the injection site may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective pain management strategy for obese patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While nerve blocks for pain management are common, this specific comparison of ESPB and M-TAPA in morbidly obese patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1. ASA II \& ASA III. 2. Gender both males and females 3. Age group: from 18 to 65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Patient refusal.

  * Uncooperative patients.
  * Allergy to local anesthetics.
  * Anatomical abnormality at injection site.
  * Redo or combined cholecystectomy surgery.
  * Infection at injection site.

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 Obesity, Morbid
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.