Spinal (intrathecal) morphine versus bi-level erector spinae plane block for pain after living liver donation
Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Intrathecal Morphine and Bi-level Erector Spinae Plane Block in Liver Transplantation Donors
This will try spinal (intrathecal) morphine versus a bi-level erector spinae plane block to reduce pain and opioid use in living liver donors after hepatectomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Altındağ, Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07123740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two regional anesthesia techniques—intrathecal morphine (ITM) and a bi-level erector spinae plane block (ESPB)—for postoperative pain control in living liver donors. Participants who meet inclusion criteria will receive one of the two analgesic approaches around the time of donor hepatectomy. Outcomes will include postoperative pain scores, perioperative opioid consumption, and procedure-related adverse effects. The goal is to determine which technique provides better pain relief and fewer opioid-related problems to support faster recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are living liver donors aged 18–65 years with ASA physical status I–II and a BMI of 18–30 kg/m2 who are cleared for donor hepatectomy at the enrolling center.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age or BMI ranges, with ASA III or higher, bleeding diathesis, or other contraindications to neuraxial or regional anesthesia are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred technique could improve immediate postoperative pain control, reduce opioid requirements, and speed recovery for living liver donors.
How similar studies have performed: Regional techniques such as intrathecal morphine and erector spinae plane blocks have shown reduced postoperative pain and opioid use in various surgeries, but direct head-to-head data in living liver donors are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-65 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score I-II * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18-30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under 18 and over 65 years of age * ASA score III and above * Patients with a history of bleeding diathesis * BMI below 18 or above 30 kg/m2
Where this trial is running
Altındağ, Ankara
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital — Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Atakan Sezgi
- Email: kansezgi@gmail.com
- Phone: 00905323327000
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.