External oblique intercostal block versus transversus abdominis plane plus rectus sheath block for pain after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy

Effects of Ultrasound-guided External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Combined With Rectus Sheath Block on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy

Not applicable Interventional General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University · NCT07496086

This test sees if the external oblique intercostal block gives pain relief as good as the transversus abdominis plane plus rectus sheath block for adults having laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGeneral Hospital of Ningxia Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Yinchuan)
Trial IDNCT07496086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, randomized non-inferiority trial at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University compares the external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) with a combined transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath block (TAP+RSB) for postoperative analgesia in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Patients are randomized to receive one of the two regional nerve blocks in addition to standard general anesthesia, and postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events are recorded. The trial is designed to test whether EOIB is not inferior to TAP+RSB in controlling early postoperative pain and to collect data on block-related complications and recovery metrics. Results will inform whether EOIB can be a reliable alternative regional analgesia option for upper abdominal incision pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 years or older with ASA physical status I–III who can give informed consent and are scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic opioid dependence, severe hepatic or renal failure, central or peripheral nervous system disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, those expected to need ICU care after surgery, or those unable to consent are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If EOIB is non-inferior, patients could have an alternative regional block that provides similar pain relief and may reduce opioid use or offer more predictable coverage for upper abdominal incisions.

How similar studies have performed: Combined TAP+RSB has demonstrated effectiveness for upper abdominal postoperative pain, whereas EOIB is a newer technique with limited high-quality randomized data to date.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged over 18 years
* Classified as ASA I-III
* Scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia
* Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic opioid dependence or prior use of analgesic medications for \>3 months;
* Inability to communicate due to severe dementia, language barriers, or terminal illness;
* History of central and/or peripheral nervous system disorders;
* Severe renal insufficiency (serum creatinine \>442 μmol/L or requiring renal replacement therapy) or severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class C);
* Allergy to local anesthetics.
* Expected to be transferred to ICU after surgery.
* Refuse patient control agenesia after surgery.

Where this trial is running

Yinchuan

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 Postoperative Pain
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.