Randomized Study Comparing Epidural and Intrathecal Opioid Pain Relief After Open Kidney Surgery for Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying pain management methods for patients undergoing open radical or partial nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma RCC. The trial compares two approaches epidural analgesia and intrathecal opioid analgesia. They aim to assess differences in acute postoperative pain, side effects, systemic opioid use, and length of hospital and ICU stays. This is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at a single center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive an epidural catheter with continuous levobupivacaine infusion or a single intrathecal dose of 300 mcg morphine before general anesthesia. Both groups will undergo surgery under general anesthesia, with vital signs monitored throughout. The epidural catheter is removed after 24 hours, and pain management continues postoperatively with monitoring for adverse effects. During the first 72 hours after surgery, patients pain at rest and during movement will be assessed using a numeric rating scale NRS. Researchers will record opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, and side effects such as hypotension or nausea. They will also monitor heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal function recovery, and length of ICU and hospital stay. Data collection involves direct measurements, patient records, and questionnaires, with the study expected to last up to one year.

Comparison Between Epidural Analgesia and Intrathecal Opioid Analgesia for Pain Management in Open Nephrectomy