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

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether adding erector spinae plane (ESP) catheters to a multimodal pain management plan with intrathecal morphine can improve postoperative pain relief in adults undergoing hepatic resection surgery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to see if the addition of ESP catheters provides better pain control beyond the 24-hour effect of intrathecal morphine, potentially reducing opioid use and improving recovery. The study is conducted at a single center and includes adults able to consent, without gender or racial restrictions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving intrathecal morphine plus active ESP catheters with continuous ropivacaine infusion, and the other receiving intrathecal morphine plus sham ESP catheters with a minimal ropivacaine infusion. Both groups receive the same standard multimodal oral pain regimen and general anesthesia during surgery. The ESP catheters are placed bilaterally at the T7-8 level, with the active group receiving ultrasound-guided catheter placement and a programmed infusion to manage pain over several days. During the study, participants will have assessments of opioid use and pain scores from day 1 to day 3 after surgery, with follow-up through day 30. Researchers will collect data from hospital records and patient interviews to monitor pain control, opioid consumption, nausea, time to ambulation and oral intake, and hospital length of stay. The study measures total opioid use and pain at rest and with coughing, aiming to understand the impact of ESP catheters on postoperative recovery and pain management.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Catheters and Intrathecal Morphine for Hepatic Resection