Using erector spinae plane block catheters with intrathecal morphine for pain relief after liver surgery
Erector Spinae Plane Block Catheters: The Role in Acute Postoperative Pain After Hepatic Resection With Intrathecal Morphine
This study is testing if using special catheters for pain relief along with morphine can help people recovering from liver surgery feel less pain and recover faster compared to standard pain management.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04849455 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether the addition of erector spinae plane (ESP) catheters enhances postoperative pain management in patients undergoing hepatic resection when combined with intrathecal morphine. The study compares the effectiveness of this multimodal analgesic approach against standard pain management without ESP catheters. By providing a continuous infusion of local anesthetic through the ESP catheters, the trial seeks to improve pain control, reduce opioid consumption, and facilitate quicker recovery and mobilization. The research is particularly focused on addressing the challenges of pain management in patients with limited options due to coagulopathy or decreased metabolism.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for hepatic resection and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with severe hepatic disease, chronic high-dose opioid use, or significant allergies to the study medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve postoperative pain control and recovery for patients undergoing liver surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ESP blocks is gaining traction, this specific combination with intrathecal morphine for hepatic resection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * undergoing hepatic resection * Admitting service requests APS consult * \>18 years old and able to provide consent Exclusion criteria: * pregnancy * incarceration * inability to communicate with the investigators and hospital staff * severe hepatic disease * chronic high-dose opioid use (defined as daily use for more than 4 weeks prior to surgery of at least the equivalent of 20 mg oxycodone); * BMI \> 40 kg/m2 * allergy to study medications (lidocaine, ropivacaine)
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California
- University of California, San Diego — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Engy T Said, MD — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Engy T Said, MD
- Email: esaid@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: 5597371904
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.