SPSIP versus ESPB nerve blocks for pain control after modified radical mastectomy
Official title: Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Management After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Cairo University · NCT07446868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether the newer SPSIP nerve block reduces pain and opioid (morphine) use more than the erector spinae plane block after modified radical mastectomy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07446868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with breast cancer scheduled for modified radical mastectomy who are 18–65 years old, ASA physical status II–III, have BMI between 20 and 35 kg/m², and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic opioid use, contraindications to regional anesthesia, severe cardiorespiratory/hepatic/renal disease, extreme BMI outside the eligibility range, or significant psychiatric disorders are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial compares two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques—serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block and erector spinae plane (ESPB) block—in adults undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Participants will be randomized to receive one of the blocks perioperatively and followed for postoperative pain scores and total morphine consumption, with the primary outcome being total morphine use in the immediate postoperative period. Standard perioperative care and multimodal analgesia protocols will be maintained, and recruitment is limited to ASA II–III patients aged 18–65 with BMI between 20 and 35 kg/m². Secondary measures likely include pain scores over time, opioid-related adverse effects, and recovery metrics such as time to mobilization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SPSIP could provide better postoperative pain relief and reduce opioid requirements after mastectomy, potentially speeding recovery and lowering opioid side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Erector spinae plane block has demonstrated effectiveness for breast surgery analgesia in prior studies, while SPSIP is a newer technique supported mainly by limited preliminary reports.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Female patients diagnosed with breast cancer Scheduled for modified radical mastectomy (MRM) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II or III Age 18-65 years Body mass index (BMI) \> 20 kg/m² and \< 35 kg/m² Ability to understand the study protocol and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Patient refusal to participate ASA physical status IV or higher BMI ≤ 20 kg/m² or ≥ 35 kg/m² Known hypersensitivity or contraindication to local anesthetics, opioids, or study medications History of chronic pain or regular opioid use Significant psychiatric disorders affecting pain assessment Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., infection at injection site, coagulopathy, pre-existing peripheral neuropathy) Severe respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease
Where it's running
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National Cancer Institute - Cairo University
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, 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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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PECS II vs SPSIP nerve blocks for pain after mastectomy
This study tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (PECS II and SPSIP) differ in how much opioid patients need after mastectomy.
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Comparison of two ultrasound-guided blocks for pain after modified radical mastectomy
This trial tests whether the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) provides better postoperative pain relief than the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) for women undergoing modified radical mastectomy.
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RISS vs SPSIP Block in Mastectomy
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.