ESP nerve block versus wound infiltration for pain after laminectomy
Official title: ESP Block Versus Wound Infiltration for Laminectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Padova · NCT05271331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try whether an erector spinae plane (ESP) block or wound infiltration gives better pain relief and reduces opioid use for adults having a one- or two-level laminectomy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 112 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Padova, Veneto) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 23, 2022 |
| Main results expected | May 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05271331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for a one- or two-level surgical laminectomy who have no contraindication to local anesthetics and can undergo surgery at the University Hospital of Padova.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with allergy to local anesthetics, active local infection, bleeding disorders, significant heart, liver, kidney or peripheral nerve disease, uncontrolled psychiatric or neurological disorders, recent substance or alcohol abuse, or ASA class greater than 3 may be excluded or unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for a one- or two-level laminectomy at the University Hospital of Padova will receive either an erector spinae plane (ESP) block or surgical wound infiltration, and within those groups patients will receive either a local anesthetic or saline placebo by the assigned technique. Pain scores, perioperative opioid consumption, time to mobilization, and adverse events will be recorded after surgery. The interventions compare locoregional techniques aimed at blocking dorsal spinal nerve branches to improve multimodal analgesia for vertebral surgery. The trial is conducted at a single academic center in Padova, Italy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve early postoperative pain control, reduce opioid use, and speed recovery after laminectomy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous case series and small randomized studies suggest ESP blocks can reduce postoperative pain and opioid use after spine surgery, but results are mixed and larger controlled trials are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: -Planned 1 or 2 level surgical laminectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to local anesthetics * Refusal of consent * Uncompensated cardiopathies, nephropathies, liver disease or peripheral neuropathies * Hemopathies that predispose to bleeding * Gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding * Local infection * Psychiatric or neurological disorders (except those attributed to primary disease for which intervention is planned) History of abuse (or use in the 24 hours prior to surgery) Alcohol addiction ASA \> 3
Where it's running
-
University Hospital of Padova
Padova, Veneto, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Federico Geraldini, MD — University Hospital of Padova
- Study coordinator: Alessandro De Cassai
- Email: alessandro.decassai@gmail.com
- Phone: +390498213090
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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.