Actively Recruiting
TAP Block Versus ESP Block in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Padova · Updated on 2026-04-13
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
90 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is comparing two types of pain relief techniques-TAP block and ESP block-for women having an elective cesarean section. Both techniques involve injecting local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance to numb nerves and reduce pain after surgery. The TAP block mainly relieves pain in the abdominal wall, while the ESP block may reduce both abdominal wall and deeper, organ-related pain. The main goal is to see if there's a difference in pain at rest six hours after surgery. The study will also look at pain at later time points, the amount of opioid medication needed, how quickly women can walk, and when they start breastfeeding. A total of 156 women will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two blocks after standard spinal anesthesia. Pain will be measured using a simple 0-10 scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours, both at rest and during movement. The study follows strict ethical rules, ensures patient privacy, and all results-whether positive or negative-will be shared to help improve pain management after cesarean delivery.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
TAP Block Versus ESP Block in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Elective cesarean section
- Ability to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy to any of the drugs used in the study
- Heart disease with impaired cardiac function
- Stage III or higher kidney failure
- Coagulation disorders (platelets <100,000/µL or INR >1.5) or severe liver disease
- Degenerative central nervous system diseases or peripheral neuropathies
- Previous uterine surgery (e.g., myomectomy)
- Previous cesarean section
- Pre-pregnancy weight less than 55 kg
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital of Padua
Padova, Italy, 35127
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lorenzo Alfonsi, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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