Pain control with rectus sheath block versus caudal epidural block after minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair in children
Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Rectus Sheath Block and Caudal Epidural Block in Pediatric Patients Scheduled for Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing
NA · Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital · NCT07147062
This study will test whether a rectus sheath block or a caudal epidural block provides better pain relief for children aged 1–8 having minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair (PIRS).
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 8 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital (other gov) |
| Locations | 1 site (Altındağ, Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07147062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two regional nerve block techniques—rectus sheath block (RSB) and caudal epidural block (CEB)—for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS). Eligible patients aged 1 to 8 years with ASA physical status I–II receive either RSB or CEB during surgery at the participating center. Postoperative outcomes such as pain scores, opioid consumption, and block-related adverse events are recorded to compare effectiveness and safety. The goal is to identify which block provides better pain control and reduces opioid needs after PIRS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 1–8 years with ASA physical status I–II who are scheduled for PIRS and do not have a bleeding disorder are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children outside the 1–8 year age range, those with ASA status III or higher, or those with bleeding diathesis are unlikely to qualify or benefit from the interventions tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred block could reduce post-surgery pain and opioid requirements, improving comfort and lowering opioid-related side effects for children after PIRS.
How similar studies have performed: Both caudal epidural and rectus sheath blocks have been used successfully for analgesia in pediatric lower abdominal surgery, though direct comparisons specifically in PIRS patients are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 1 and 8 years * ASA physical status I-II * Patients who underwent PIRS surgery in the operating room and received either a rectus sheath block or a caudal epidural block Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 1 year or older than 8 years * ASA physical status ≥ III * History of bleeding diathesis
Where this trial is running
Altındağ, Ankara
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital — Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elif Şule Özdemir Sezgi
- Email: elifsule-91@hotmail.com
- Phone: 00905059209638
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.
Conditions: Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing, Pain Management, Percutaneous internal ring suturing, Rectus sheath block, Caudal epidural block