Evaluating cold sensitivity after a thoracic ESP block in breast cancer surgery

Evaluation of the Onset and the Extent of Sensory Block After Thoracic ESP Block in Breast Surgery - a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti · NCT06642142

This study is testing how quickly a pain relief technique used during breast cancer surgery affects cold sensitivity in patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOspedale Santa Maria Goretti Academic / other
Locations1 site (Latina, Italy)
Trial IDNCT06642142 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the onset of sensory block and changes in cold sensitivity following a thoracic erector spinae plane (ESP) block in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The procedure involves administering a local anesthetic at the T4 level using an ultrasound-guided technique before surgery. Patients will be monitored for cold sensitivity at specified intervals up to 40 minutes after the block. The study focuses on understanding how quickly the anesthetic spreads and its effectiveness in providing analgesia during surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients aged 18 and older scheduled for breast surgery who meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to local anesthetics or those with significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve pain management strategies for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational, similar techniques have shown promise in improving analgesia in surgical settings, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years.
* ASA score I-II-III.
* Schedule of breast surgery
* Schedule of ESPB
* Consent to the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to local anaesthetics
* Cardiopathies, nephropathies, hepatopathies, central or peripheral neuropathies uncompensated
* Infection at the injection site
* Uncooperative patient
* BMI \< 20, \> 40
* Difficulty in visualising target structures or the LA spread (failure of technique)
* Pregnancy status

Where this trial is running

Latina, Italy

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 Breast Cancer SurgeryESPB
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.