Pain relief after gynecological surgery using a specific nerve block technique

Rectus Sheath Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia Following Gynecologic Oncology Surgery: A Pilot Study

Phase 4 Interventional Duke University · NCT06575699

This study is testing if a specific nerve block technique using a special pain medication can help women feel less pain after gynecological surgery compared to the usual pain relief methods.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06575699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial involves thirty patients undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic oncology surgery who will receive a bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB) using ultrasound guidance. The intervention includes administering liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine to manage postoperative pain. Participants will be matched with historical controls who received thoracic epidural analgesia based on age, race, insurance status, and duration of surgery to evaluate the effectiveness of the RSB. The study aims to assess the analgesic benefits of this technique compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic malignancy with a vertical incision.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI over 50 kg/m2 or those on chronic opioid therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide improved pain management for patients undergoing gynecological surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques for postoperative pain management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ≥18 years presenting for a laparotomy for Gynecologic malignancy with a vertical incision.
2. ASA Classification II or III.
3. English speaking patients

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BMI \>50 kg/m2.
2. Chronic pain or chronic opioid therapy.
3. Allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics or any component of the multimodal analgesic regimen (NSAIDs and acetaminophen)

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.