Evaluating ultrasound for locating epidural catheters in surgery

"Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Compared to Epidurography for Epidural Catheter Localization in Patients Undergoing Open Abdominal Surgery"

Observational Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran · NCT06556836

This study tests if using ultrasound to find epidural catheters is as reliable as the traditional method for patients having major abdominal surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations1 site (Tlalpan, Cdmx)
Trial IDNCT06556836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in locating epidural catheters compared to the traditional method of epidurography. It focuses on patients undergoing major open abdominal surgeries, who typically experience significant postoperative pain. Participants will receive epidural analgesia and have their catheter placements verified using both ultrasound and epidurography. The study seeks to determine if ultrasound can serve as a reliable alternative to epidurography in surgical settings where the latter may not be feasible.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older scheduled for major open abdominal surgery requiring epidural analgesia.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to epidural analgesia or those with cognitive impairments that prevent them from completing necessary assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more accessible and effective method for ensuring proper epidural catheter placement, leading to improved pain management for patients after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for catheter localization is gaining interest, this specific comparison with epidurography is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older
* Provided informed consent
* Scheduled for major open abdominal surgery that necessitates epidural analgesia
* Capable of completing the PAIN OUT questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to epidural analgesia
* Communication or cognitive impairments that prevent understanding or completing the questionnaire
* Neurological disorders that affect sensory or motor function
* Critical illness or unstable medical conditions
* Use of anticoagulants
* Advanced liver cirrhosis
* Certain specific surgical procedures where epidural analgesia is contraindicated or not applicable
* Allergy to contrast agent

Where this trial is running

Tlalpan, Cdmx

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 Open Abdominal SurgeryEpidural Analgesiaepidural catheter localizationepidural analgesiaopen abdominal surgerydiagnostic accuracy
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.