External oblique intercostal plane block to reduce pain after liver transplant
External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Liver Transplantation
This test tries whether giving a bilateral external oblique intercostal plane block at the end of surgery reduces pain and opioid use in adult liver transplant recipients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07233083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for elective orthotopic liver transplantation will be assigned to either a group that receives a bilateral external oblique intercostal plane block after skin closure plus patient-controlled morphine, or a control group that receives patient-controlled morphine alone. The block is performed bilaterally at the end of the operation and morphine consumption during the first 48 postoperative hours will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include visual analog pain scores, time to first rescue analgesia, amount of rescue medication, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and Quality of Recovery-15 scores. Data will be compared between the two groups to determine whether the block improves postoperative analgesia and recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 scheduled for elective orthotopic liver transplantation with a J-shaped or Mercedes incision, acceptable coagulation (INR ≤ 1.5, platelets ≥ 50,000/mm³, fibrinogen ≥ 150 mg/dL), ASA III–IV, and able to provide informed consent are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, local infection at the injection site, severe hemodynamic instability, chronic high‑dose opioid use, severe hepatic encephalopathy or cognitive impairment, emergency or re-transplantation cases are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the block could lower opioid requirements and improve pain control and recovery after liver transplantation.
How similar studies have performed: Other abdominal wall plane blocks have reduced postoperative pain and opioid use in abdominal surgery, but use specifically in liver transplant recipients is relatively novel and direct evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 to 75 years * Scheduled for elective orthotopic liver transplantation (living or deceased donor) * J-shaped or Mercedes incision planned * ASA physical status III-IV * Normal or acceptable coagulation profile at the time of block application (INR ≤ 1.5, platelet count ≥ 50,000/mm³, fibrinogen ≥ 150 mg/dL) * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Coagulopathy at the time of block application (INR \> 1.5, platelet count \< 50,000/mm³, or fibrinogen \< 150 mg/dL) * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (amide group) * Local infection or skin lesion at the block injection site * Severe hemodynamic instability requiring high-dose vasopressor support * Chronic opioid use (≥30 mg oral morphine equivalents per day for ≥30 days before surgery) * Severe hepatic encephalopathy or cognitive impairment preventing use of PCA or pain scoring * Emergency or re-transplantation surgery
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- istinye University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Taylan Sahin
- Email: taylansah@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905452303111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.