Rhomboid intercostal block versus erector spinae plane block for pain after thoracotomy
Assessing the Effectiveness of Rhomboid Intercostal and Erector Spinae Plane Blocks After Lung Cancer Thoracotomy
NA · Cairo University · NCT07040618
This will test whether a rhomboid intercostal block or an erector spinae plane block gives better pain relief and reduces opioid use for adults with lung cancer having a thoracotomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07040618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized comparison of two ultrasound-guided chest wall nerve blocks—rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB)—performed before thoracotomy at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. Sixty patients will be randomly assigned to receive either RIB or ESPB 30–45 minutes before surgery, with general anesthesia standardized across groups. The primary outcome is 24-hour postoperative morphine consumption, and secondary outcomes include VAS pain scores, hemodynamic stability, time to first analgesic request, recovery duration, patient satisfaction, and nausea/vomiting. Data will be analyzed with appropriate statistical tests to identify which technique provides superior analgesia and opioid-sparing effect.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult female patients with lung cancer scheduled for thoracotomy (age 18–65 years), ASA II–III, BMI 20–35 kg/m², and able to give informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, severe organ failure, chronic pain or psychological disorders, or known allergy to local anesthetics or study opioids are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred block could lower opioid use, improve pain control, and speed recovery after thoracotomy.
How similar studies have performed: Erector spinae plane block has shown promising pain relief in prior thoracic surgery reports, while rhomboid intercostal block is a newer technique with more limited published data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years ASA physical status II or III Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 20 kg/m² and \< 35 kg/m² Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Patient refusal ASA physical status IV Age \< 18 years or \> 65 years BMI \< 20 kg/m² or \> 35 kg/m² Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics or opioids used in the study History of chronic pain or psychological disorders Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., local infection, coagulopathy, pre-existing peripheral neuropathy) Severe respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease \-
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- National Cancer Institute - Cairo University — Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sayed M Abed, MD — Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management, National Cancer Institute -- Cairo University
- Study coordinator: Sayed M Abed, MD
- Email: sayed.abed@nci.cu.edu.eg
- Phone: +20 122 680 6532
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: Lung Cancer