Comparing two ultrasound-guided abdominal wall nerve blocks for pain after sleeve gastrectomy
Official title: Ultrasound-Guided External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block For Perioperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Run by Benha University · NCT07366138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether the external oblique intercostal plane (EOIP) block or the subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block gives better pain relief and lowers opioid use for adults having laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Benha University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Banhā, Benha) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07366138 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 with BMI 30–50 kg/m², ASA physical status I–II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy who can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications like local infection at the injection site, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy, severe hepatic or renal dysfunction, chronic opioid use, psychiatric conditions affecting pain reporting, or those who require conversion to open surgery are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will receive one of two ultrasound-guided abdominal wall nerve blocks—EOIP or subcostal TAP—around the time of their operation. Pain scores, duration of analgesia, and total postoperative opioid consumption will be recorded to compare effectiveness between the techniques. The work is framed within enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles to optimize postoperative comfort and reduce opioid needs. Safety endpoints include block-related complications and any events requiring conversion to open surgery or re-exploration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing block could provide stronger or longer-lasting pain relief after bariatric surgery and reduce the need for opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Subcostal TAP blocks have demonstrated efficacy for upper abdominal procedures in prior work, while the external oblique intercostal plane (EOIP) block is a newer technique with more limited published data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 18 to 65 years. * Both genders. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II * Body mass index (BMI) between 30-50 kg/m². * Scheduled for elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy under general anesthesia. * Written informed consent from patients or surrogate decision makers. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal. * Allergy to local anesthetics. * Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant therapy. * Local infection or scar at the injection site. * Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction. * Chronic opioid use or psychiatric illness interfering with pain assessment. * Conversion to open surgery or intraoperative complications requiring re-exploration.
Where it's running
-
Benha University
Banhā, Benha, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ahmed A Ali, MBBCH
- Email: macisosevo@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201067850909
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.