Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using erector spinae plane block catheters with intrathecal morphine for pain relief after liver surgery

Official title: Erector Spinae Plane Block Catheters: The Role in Acute Postoperative Pain After Hepatic Resection With Intrathecal Morphine

Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT04849455 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment70 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 24, 2021
Main results expectedMay 1, 2023
Study endsMay 1, 2023
Registry record updatedJune 7, 2022
Trial IDNCT04849455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for hepatic resection and can provide informed consent.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • 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

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.