Superior hypogastric plexus block to improve recovery after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery

Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block for Early Recovery After Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT07579780

This will test whether adding a superior hypogastric plexus block helps adults having laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery recover faster and have less pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT07579780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 170 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer and randomize them 1:1 to receive either a superior hypogastric plexus block or a placebo block. The primary outcome is the 15-item Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) score at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include visceral pain scores at rest and with movement over 48 hours, opioid (morphine) consumption, time to first flatus, incidence of postoperative ileus, length of hospital stay, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The trial is designed to position the block within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways for laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with colorectal cancer scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical resection who are ASA class I–III and can give informed consent are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulation dysfunction, local or systemic infection, allergy to the block medications, inability to cooperate with the protocol, or those undergoing non-laparoscopic or emergency surgery are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the block could reduce early postoperative visceral pain, lower opioid use, and improve short-term recovery and hospital throughput.

How similar studies have performed: Some smaller studies and regional anesthesia reports suggest superior hypogastric plexus or other pelvic blocks can reduce visceral pain, but high-quality randomized data specific to laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to provide informed consent.
* Undergoing elective laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA) class I-III.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to block medication (s).
* Coagulation dysfunction.
* Local or systemic infection.
* Unable to cooperate with the completion of the study protocol.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colorectal Cancer, Laparoscopic Surgery, Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block, laparoscopic surgery, superior hypogastric plexus block, Quality of recovery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.