Pain control methods for patients undergoing esophagectomy
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Local Intercostal Nerve Blocks, Cryo-ablation Plus Intercostal Nerve Blocks, and Serratus Plane Catheter Plus Intercostal Nerve Blocks After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
This study is testing three different ways to manage pain for patients having minimally invasive esophagectomies to see which one works best.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Swedish Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT05906134 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to compare three different pain control methods in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomies. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-ablation combined with intercostal nerve blocks, or serratus plane catheter plus intercostal nerve blocks. The study will enroll a total of 30 patients, who will be monitored throughout their hospital stay and followed up for up to one year post-surgery to assess pain management effectiveness and postoperative complications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients scheduled for a minimally invasive esophagectomy at Swedish Medical Center.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those unable to consent, or individuals with chronic pain requiring daily narcotics may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing esophagectomy, enhancing recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with nerve block techniques for postoperative pain management, but this specific combination approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All adult individuals who undergo an esophagectomy with an intended minimally invasive approach of the chest at Swedish Medical Center-First Hill. These approaches include: * 3-hole with R video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) * Ivor Lewis R VATS Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 * Unable to consent * Additional surgical procedures planned * Patients with previous thoracic surgery * Patient with chronic pain on a daily regimen of narcotics * Non-English speaking * Contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia (ongoing anticoagulation, anticipated post-operative therapeutic anticoagulation, spinal cord stimulators, anatomic abnormalities preventing epidural placement)
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- Swedish Cancer Institute — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian Louie, M.D. — Swedish Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Brian Louie, M.D.
- Email: brian.louie@swedish.org
- Phone: (206) 215-6800
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.