Erector spinae block for pain control after kidney stone surgery
Official title: Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Control for Pain Control Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study
Run by University of Tennessee Medical Center · NCT05024344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Tennessee Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Knoxville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 9, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05024344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for non-emergent percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with emergent surgery needs, local infections, or significant underlying medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of erector spinae blocks for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Tennessee Medical Center
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Buehler, MD — University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jason Buehler, MD
- Email: jbuehler@utmck.edu
- Phone: 865-305-9220
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Papillary vs non-papillary access during PCNL
This trial tests whether non-papillary renal access is a safe and effective alternative to the standard papillary approach during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in adults with kidney stones.
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Flexible single-tract nephroscopy vs. multi-tract PCNL for complex kidney stones
This randomized trial tests whether a flexible nephroscopy-assisted single-tract PCNL can match the stone-free rate of the standard multi-tract PCNL in people with complex unilateral kidney stones.
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Quadro Iliac Plane Block for Pain Control After Kidney Stone Surgery
This study tests whether a regional block called QİPB can reduce pain after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in adults.
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Using Gram Stain of Urine to Improve Outcomes After Kidney Stone Surgery
This study tests if using a special urine test after kidney stone surgery can help doctors choose better antibiotics to prevent complications and improve recovery for patients.
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This trial will test whether doing PCNL with the patient prone or supine gives more stable blood pressure and heart function during surgery for adults with large kidney stones.
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.