Two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to reduce pain after mastectomy
Official title: A Comparative Study Between Ultrasound Guided Combined Rhomboid Intercostal and Sub- Serratus Plane Blocks and Erector Spinae Plane Block as Perioperative Analgesia in Mastectomy Surgeries in Cancer Breast Patients
Run by National Cancer Institute, Egypt · NCT07390448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try combined rhomboid intercostal/sub‑serratus and erector spinae ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to reduce pain after mastectomy in adult women with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Cancer Institute, Egypt Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07390448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult female breast cancer patients ASA class II–III, aged 18–60 years with BMI 20–35 kg/m2 undergoing elective mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery with axillary dissection are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major medical conditions, who are pregnant or lactating, outside the age/BMI ranges, or who decline the blocks are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adult women with breast cancer scheduled for elective mastectomy or breast‑conserving surgery with axillary dissection will receive ultrasound-guided combined rhomboid intercostal sub‑serratus plane blocks and erector spinae plane block as regional analgesia. Researchers will follow patients after surgery to record pain scores, opioid consumption, recovery metrics, and complications. The approach builds on existing regional anesthesia techniques and uses ultrasound to guide local anesthetic delivery to targeted chest wall and paraspinal planes. Outcomes will determine whether this combined block strategy improves immediate postoperative pain control and may reduce development of chronic post-mastectomy pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the blocks could reduce acute post-mastectomy pain, lower opioid needs, and shorten recovery with a lower risk of chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other regional techniques (paravertebral, serratus plane, and pectoral nerve blocks) have shown good post-mastectomy pain relief, and early reports suggest erector spinae and rhomboid intercostal/sub‑serratus blocks may be effective though evidence is still emerging.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Breast cancer female patients. 2. ASA class II and III. 3. Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 60 Years. 4. Body mass index (BMI): \> 20 kg/m2 and \< 35 kg/m2. 5. Type of surgery; elective breast cancer surgery (either modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgery) combined with axillary dissection. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patient refusal. 2. Age \<18 years or \>65 years. 3. BMI \<20 kg/m2 and \>35 kg/m2. 4. Major medical conditions. 5. Pregnancy or lactation.
Where it's running
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National Cancer Institute - Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayman Sharawy Abdelrahman Aboul Nasr, MD — National Cancer Institute Cairo University
- Study coordinator: Ayman Sharawy Abdelrahman Aboul Nasr, MD
- Email: ayman.sharawy@nci.cu.edu.eg
- Phone: 01282649008
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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.