Actively Recruiting
Interscalene Block Versus Anterior Suprascapular Block for Post-Thoracotomy Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by National Cancer Institute, Egypt · Updated on 2026-02-24
75
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to compare the frequency of ipsilateral shoulder pain in patients undergoing thoracotomy. It evaluates three methods of pain management: ultrasound-guided interscalene block, anterior suprascapular block as an addition to epidural analgesia, and epidural analgesia alone. This pain after thoracotomy is common and often not relieved by epidural or paravertebral blocks, making improved approaches important for patient recovery and preventing respiratory complications. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group receives an ultrasound-guided interscalene block, another an ultrasound-guided anterior suprascapular block, and the third group receives only epidural analgesia without additional regional blocks. These interventions are studied as adjuncts to epidural analgesia during open lung surgery. During the study, patients will be monitored for the occurrence and degree of shoulder pain within 72 hours after surgery. Researchers will also assess heart rate, blood pressure, lung function tests like peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volumes, and track the use of rescue pain medication. Complications and timing of pain relief requests will be recorded to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of each pain management method.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Interscalene Block Versus Anterior Suprascapular Block for Post-Thoracotomy Shoulder Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age > 18 years and ≤ 65 years old
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III
- Body mass index 18-35 kg/m2
- Confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer and scheduled for elective open-lung surgery
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy to local anesthetics
- Known psychiatric or neurologic disorders
- Alcohol or narcotics abuse
- Contraindications to thoracic epidural or suprascapular or interscalene block such as coagulopathy or local infection
- Pre-existing shoulder symptoms
- History of previous thoracotomy
- Severe restrictive or obstructive pulmonary disease
- Pre-existing contralateral diaphragmatic paralysis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 72 hours postoperatively
Participants receive either an ultrasound-guided interscalene block, an ultrasound-guided anterior suprascapular block, or epidural analgesia as part of their post-thoracotomy pain management.
Hospital stay including treatment and assessments within 72 hours after surgery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt, 12613
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mai M Elrawas, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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