Determining the best dose of epidural pain relief after abdominal surgery

Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparotomy: Determining the Optimum Dose Using a Biaised Coin Up-and-down Sequential Allocation Protocol

Not applicable Interventional Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · NCT05534945

This study is testing the best amount of epidural pain relief for men and women after they have open abdominal surgery to see if it helps them feel better on the first day after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorCiusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05534945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the optimal volume dosage of epidural bupivacaine administered using a Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus (PIEB) protocol for patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery with large incisions. The research will utilize a biased coin up-down sequential allocation method to determine the effective dose separately for men and women, addressing potential sex-based differences in pain management. Patients will be screened preoperatively, and informed consent will be obtained on the day of surgery. The study will focus on achieving effective analgesia in 90% of patients on the first postoperative day.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 undergoing elective open abdominal surgery with a midline incision greater than 25 cm.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to thoracic epidural analgesia or those requiring intensive care postoperatively 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 major abdominal surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the PIEB approach, results have been conflicting, making this investigation both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-85 years old
* ASA I to III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to TEA: Coagulopathy, sepsis or local infection at the epidural insertion site, patient refusal
* Inability to site the epidural catheter
* Inability to use PCEA/Communication barrier
* Daily opioid use
* Planned postoperative admission to the intensive care unit
* Patient refusal
* Predefined criteria for exclusion after inclusion: Failure to obtain a sensory block to ice in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)(see Methods), Reoperation within 1 postoperative day

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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 Acute Post Operative PainLaparotomyEpidural Analgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.