Erector spinae block for pain control after kidney stone surgery

Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Control for Pain Control Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Tennessee Medical Center · NCT05024344

This study tests if a special pain relief technique called the erector spinae block can help adults have less pain and use fewer opioids after kidney stone surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Tennessee Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT05024344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of the erector spinae (ESP) block in reducing opioid consumption and pain levels following elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A total of 128 adult participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the ESP block or a saline control during their procedure. The study will assess outcomes such as morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption and pain levels at various postoperative intervals using validated questionnaires and scales. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine the impact of the ESP block on recovery quality and pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for non-emergent percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Not a fit: Patients with emergent surgery needs, local infections, or significant underlying medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced opioid use and improved pain management for patients undergoing kidney stone surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of erector spinae blocks for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults, male and female greater than or equal to 18 years of age and undergoing non-emergent percutaneous nephrolithotomy Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00AM and 4:00PM.
* Female participants of childbearing potential will be required to provide a negative pregnancy test.
* Ability to understand and teach back consent for the procedure.
* Willingness to sign consent for procedure.
* English speaking.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergent surgery status.
* Local infection
* Allergy to local anesthetics.
* Recreational drug use.
* Inability to provide informed consent.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* History of Guillain-Barre' Syndrome.
* Underlying medical conditions that would post a significant risk to the patient.
* Opioid use \>90 days in the year leading up to surgery.

Where this trial is running

Knoxville, Tennessee

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 Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous
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.