Erector spinae versus lateral transversus abdominis plane block for pain after open appendectomy

Analgeisc Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Lateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Open Abendectomy Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07351253

This study will test whether an erector spinae plane block or a lateral TAP block gives better pain relief for adults having open appendectomy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07351253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults undergoing open appendectomy are randomly assigned to receive either an erector spinae plane (ESP) block or a lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after induction of general anesthesia. Intraoperative inadequate analgesia is treated with fentanyl boluses if heart rate or systolic blood pressure rise by 20% from baseline. Postoperative pain management includes scheduled paracetamol and diclofenac, with intravenous morphine titration given if the numeric rating scale (NRS) exceeds 3. Outcomes focus on analgesic effect and opioid requirements after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults scheduled for open appendectomy who can use the numeric rating scale, are not pregnant or lactating, have no coagulopathy or local infection, no allergy to study drugs, and have ASA physical status I–III are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with chronic pain or regular opioid use, coagulopathy, local infection at the block site, allergy to the study drugs, ASA status above III, or who are pregnant or lactating are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the procedures tested.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the better block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use after open appendectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Both ESP and TAP blocks have been shown in prior studies to reduce postoperative pain for abdominal surgery, though direct head-to-head comparisons for open appendectomy are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult patients, undergoing open appendectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* American society of anesthesiologist-physical status \>III,
* allergy to any of the study drugs,
* coagulopathy
* local infection,
* history of chronic pain or regular opioid use;
* inability to comprehend the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS),
* pregnant or lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

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 AppendicectomyPostoperative AnalgesiaRegional Anaesthesia
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.