Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 50

Investigating the effects of a specific pain relief technique on breathing after abdominal surgery

Official title: Respiratory Effects of Rectus Sheath Block in Patients Undergoing Major Upper Abdominal Surgery.

Run by Assiut University · NCT03725527 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a special pain relief technique can help people breathe better and feel less pain after having abdominal surgery.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorAssiut University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Asyut, Assiut Governorate)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2020
Main results expectedJanuary 1, 2026
Study endsJanuary 1, 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT03725527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-50 years undergoing elective abdominal surgery with midline incisions and having a BMI of less than 30.

Probably not a fit

Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with coagulation disorders, infections at the injection site, or those requiring urgent abdominal surgery.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the respiratory and pain-relieving effects of ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block analgesia in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with midline incisions. The rectus sheath block targets specific sensory nerves to alleviate somatic pain from the abdominal wall, potentially improving postoperative recovery. The study will assess how this technique influences diaphragmatic function and overall respiratory outcomes following surgery. Participants will be monitored for pain levels and respiratory function postoperatively to determine the effectiveness of this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and improve respiratory function in patients after abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar analgesic techniques, suggesting potential benefits in postoperative pain management.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18-50 years.
* Sex: both males and females.
* BMI\< 30kg/m2.
* ASA physical status: 1, II and III.
* Elective abdominal surgery with midline incisions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Infection at injection site
* Coagulation disorders.
* Allergy to study medications.
* Pregnancy.
* Respiratory tract infection within the last 2 weeks.
* Urgent abdominal surgery

Where it's running

  • Assiut university main hospital, ICUs
    Asyut, Assiut Governorate, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Noha Y Mohamed, MD — Lecturer in anesthesia and intensive care department, faculty of medicine, Assiut university, Egypt.
  • Study coordinator: Noha Y Mohamed, MD
  • Email: noha.hagagy@gmail.com
  • Phone: +2 01001890194

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.