Using an erector spinae plane block to reduce pain and speed recovery after open inguinal hernia repair
Effect of Preoperative Erector Spinae Plane Block on Recovery Quality, Time to Return to Daily Activities, and Postoperative Pain Scores in Inguinal Hernia Surgery
NA · Sanliurfa Education and Research Hospital · NCT07509957
This trial will test whether giving an erector spinae plane block after unilateral open inguinal hernia repair in adults 18–65 leads to less pain, better recovery, and a quicker return to daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sanliurfa Education and Research Hospital (other gov) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sanliurfa, Eyyübiye and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07509957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial enrolling adults aged 18–65 undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. At the end of surgery participants are randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) at the T11–T12 level or no block, with all patients receiving standard postoperative analgesia. Outcomes include quality of recovery (QoR-15), numeric pain ratings, and analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours, and time to return to daily activities assessed at 30 days. Group allocation is concealed and performed using a computer-generated randomization list.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 scheduled for unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia who can give informed consent and do not have contraindications such as coagulation disorders or chronic opioid use are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic opioid use, recurrent hernia repair, high preoperative pain (NRS ≥4), coagulation problems, intraoperative complications, or inability to communicate are excluded and may not benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid use and help patients resume normal daily activities sooner.
How similar studies have performed: ESPB has shown analgesic benefit in various thoracic and abdominal procedures, but high-quality evidence specifically for open inguinal hernia repair is limited and not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years 2. Patients scheduled to undergo open IHT surgery under spinal anesthesia (unilateral) 3. Both male and female patients Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with coagulation disorders 2. Patients with chronic opioid use 3. Patients who develop intraoperative complications 4. Patients with a preoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥4 5. Patients with a history of revision (recurrent) surgery 6. Patients unable to communicate for any reason 7. Patients who decline to participate in the study
Where this trial is running
Sanliurfa, Eyyübiye and 1 other locations
- Sanliurfa Education and Research Hospital — Sanliurfa, Eyyübiye, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
- Muğla Training and Research Hospital — Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tolga Karaçay — Sanliurfa Education and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tolga Karaçay, M.D.
- Email: tkaracay35@gmail.com
- Phone: +905458718351
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: Inguinal Hernia Unilateral, Erector Spinae Plane Block, Quality of Recovery, Numeric Rating Scale, Return to Daily Activity, Inguinal Hernia Repair, Regionel Anesthesia, Postoperative Pain