Using Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Relief in Liver Transplant Patients

Optimization of Perioperative Analgesia With Erector Spinae Plane Block During Major Abdominal Surgeries in Patients With Impaired Liver Function

Not applicable Interventional Bogomolets National Medical University · NCT06857331

This study is testing if a special pain relief technique called the Erector Spinae Plane block can help liver transplant patients feel less pain during and after their surgery compared to those who don’t receive it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBogomolets National Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kyiv)
Trial IDNCT06857331 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block for providing pain relief during and after liver transplant surgeries. Participants will receive a bilateral ESP block with 0.2% ropivacaine on the day of their transplantation, followed by catheterization for continuous analgesia. The outcomes will be compared to a control group of liver transplant patients who do not receive any regional anesthesia techniques, focusing on the incidence of side effects and overall pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with impaired liver function requiring major abdominal surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe thrombocytopenia, failed anesthesia attempts, or those on mechanical ventilation prior to surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery for liver transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ESP blocks is gaining attention, this specific application in liver transplant patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* impaired liver function - cirrhosis or chronic liver disease with the development of hypocoagulation (APTT \> 35 sec, INR \> 1.5), thrombocytopenia, patients requiring major abdominal surgery, age \> 18 years, written consent to participate in the study was obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Platelet count \<50x109, failed ESP catheterization unilateral or bilateral, failed epidural anesthesia attempt, history of allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, hepatopulmonary syndrome, patients on mechanical ventilation before surgery, patients on CRRT before surgery, refusal to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Kyiv

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.
Conditions Liver TransplantErector Spina Plan Block
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.