Rectus‑intercostal nerve block for pain after living liver donation
Evaluation of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Rectus-Intercostal Fascial Plane Block in Living Liver Donors
This trial will try a rectus‑intercostal fascial plane nerve block to reduce pain and opioid use after living liver donor hepatectomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07233096 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, prospective study will enroll adult living liver donors undergoing donor hepatectomy and assign them to receive either an ultrasound‑guided rectus‑intercostal fascial plane (RIFP) block plus standard IV morphine PCA or standard IV morphine PCA alone. The RIFP block group will receive 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery. The primary outcome is total morphine consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours, and secondary outcomes include pain scores at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours, time to first rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic amounts, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Analgesic use and pain scores will be compared between groups to determine the opioid‑sparing and analgesic effects of the block.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for living donor hepatectomy are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, allergy to local anesthetics, infection at the block site, advanced renal failure, chronic pain syndromes, substance abuse, or psychiatric disorders are excluded and may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirements in living liver donors, improving early mobilization and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Other abdominal interfascial plane blocks such as TAP and rectus sheath blocks have shown opioid‑sparing effects, but the RIFP block is a relatively new technique with limited published evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 75 years * Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-II * Patients scheduled for a living donor hepatectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to local anesthetics * Coagulopathy * Skin infection at the block area * Advanced renal failure * Chronic pain syndromes * Alcohol or drug abuse * Psychiatric disorders
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.