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AzTrials

Postoperative Pain ManagementITM-LH-QoRNCT07232108

Intrathecal Morphine Versus Trocar-Site and Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine for Quality of Recovery After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A study testing Intrathecal Morphine, Trocar-Site Bupivacaine Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine spray in people with Postoperative Pain Management and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to compare the effects of intrathecal morphine with trocar-site infiltration and intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain control, quality of recovery, and inflammatory response in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic hysterectomy. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years, women only
What is being tested?
Intrathecal Morphine, Trocar-Site Bupivacaine Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine spray
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
64 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Dec 2025to 2 Jun 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Female patients aged 18-65 years.
  • Elective laparoscopic hysterectomy planned for benign gynecological conditions.
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
  • Ability to provide written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Coagulopathy or bleeding disorders.
  • Opioid dependence or chronic opioid use.
  • Allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics or morphine.
  • Contraindication to neuraxial (spinal) anesthesia.
  • History of chronic pain syndromes.
  • Severe renal or hepatic dysfunction.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Ayşenur Dostbil, Associate Professor contact

+90-533-367-66-96

adostbil@hotmail.com

Mehmet Akif Yılmaz, assistant doctor contact

+90-534-653-35-39

mehmetakifyilmaz025@gmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Ataturk University

    Erzurum, 25000

    Mehmet Akif Yılmaz, assistant doctor, +90-534-653-35-39, mehmetakifyilmaz025@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Effects of Intrathecal Morphine Compared With Trocar-Site Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine on Postoperative Quality of Recovery and Inflammatory Markers After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial

This study aims to compare the effects of intrathecal morphine with trocar-site infiltration and intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain control, quality of recovery, and inflammatory response in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is widely used for benign gynecologic conditions, but postoperative pain may result from trocar-site trauma, peritoneal irritation, and carbon dioxide insufflation. Effective postoperative analgesia can improve patient comfort, reduce opioid use, and enhance early recovery.

Intrathecal morphine is known to provide potent early postoperative analgesia but may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and respiratory depression. Local anesthetic techniques, including trocar-site infiltration and intraperitoneal bupivacaine, have also been shown to reduce postoperative pain after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Read more

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, patients will be assigned to one of two groups:

Intrathecal morphine (ITM) administered before induction of anesthesia;

Local anesthesia group (LA) receiving trocar-site infiltration and intraperitoneal bupivacaine at the end of surgery.

The primary outcome is the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression, early mobilization, bowel function recovery, and perioperative inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).

The results of this trial are expected to guide clinicians in selecting optimal analgesic strategies for laparoscopic hysterectomy and to contribute to improved patient recovery and postoperative satisfaction.

Read the detailed description

Study Background and Rationale:

Despite its minimally invasive advantages, laparoscopic hysterectomy can cause significant postoperative pain due to trocar sites, visceral manipulation, and peritoneal irritation. This pain results in opioid consumption, associated side effects, and delayed recovery. Multimodal analgesia is the cornerstone of postoperative care. In this context, trocar site infiltration with intrathecal morphine (long-acting central analgesia) and intraperitoneal local anesthetic administration (peripheral techniques targeting somatic and visceral pain) are effective options. This study aims to compare the effects of these two different analgesic strategies on the quality of postoperative recovery through a patient-centered outcome measure, the QoR-15, and objective hematologic inflammatory markers.

Technical Details of Intervention Protocols:

General Anesthesia Standardization: All patients will receive standard general anesthesia. Induction will be achieved with propofol and fentanyl, rocuronium bromide will be used for neuromuscular blockade, and anesthesia will be maintained with sevoflurane.

Group ITM (Intrathecal Morphine) Intervention: Before induction of general anesthesia, patients will be in the sitting or lateral decubitus position and 200 µg (0.2 mg) of morphine will be injected into the subarachnoid space with a 25G (or 27G) pencil-point spinal needle at the L3-L4 intervertebral space. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters will be closely monitored for 30 minutes after the injection.

Group LA (Local Anesthetic) Intervention: At the end of the surgical procedure, 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be infiltrated into each trocar incision. Additionally, 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be administered intraperitoneally, distributing to the subhepatic, diaphragmatic, and pelvic surfaces. The total bupivacaine dose will be calculated to avoid exceeding 2 mg/kg body weight to avoid the risk of toxicity.

Standard Perioperative Medication Regimen: All patients in both groups will receive the following medications intraoperatively as part of multimodal analgesia: 1 g Paracetamol, 800 mg Ibuprofen, 3 mg Granisetron, 40 mg Esomeprazole, and 8 mg Dexamethasone.

Methodological Details for Outcome Assessments:

QoR-15 Questionnaire: The validated and reliable Turkish version of the primary outcome measure, QoR-15, will be used. The questionnaire will be administered before surgery to obtain preoperative baseline values and at 24 hours postoperatively as the primary outcome.

Pain and Side Effect Monitoring: Postoperative pain will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0-10 cm) at rest and during coughing/activity. Assessments will be made at 2-hour intervals from the 2nd postoperative hour to the 24th hour. Nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and respiratory depression (SpO2 < 90% or respiratory rate < 8/minute) will be recorded using standard forms.

Hematological Inflammatory Markers: A complete blood count will be analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer from venous blood samples taken preoperatively (baseline, T0) and at the 24th postoperative hour (T13). Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and Systemic Immuno-Inflammation Index (SII = (Platelet count x Neutrophil count) / Lymphocyte count) will be calculated.

Blinding Protocol: Except for the anesthesiologist who performs the randomization and intervention, the patients, the surgical team, the investigators collecting postoperative data, and the statistical analyst will be blinded to group distinctions. Randomization will be stored using sequential, numbered, opaque envelopes.

Clinical Significance of the Study:

The findings of this study may provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most effective multimodal analgesia regimen after laparoscopic hysterectomy. The demonstrated superiority of intrathecal morphine in reducing the systemic inflammatory response and patient-reported quality of recovery may result in less opioid use and faster recovery. Conversely, if local anesthetic techniques are adequate, the potential risks of central block may be avoided.

Being tested
Intrathecal Morphine, Trocar-Site Bupivacaine Infiltration, Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine spray
Keywords
Intrathecal Morphine, Trocar-Site Infiltration, Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Quality of Recovery (QoR-15), Postoperative Pain, Opioid Consumption, Inflammatory Markers, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII)
Medical subject headings
Pain, Postoperative

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Intrathecal MorphineDrug

    A single dose of 200 µg preservative-free morphine will be administered intrathecally at the L3-L4 interspace prior to induction of general anesthesia. The injection is performed using a 25G spinal needle. This intervention aims to provide prolonged early postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

  • Trocar-Site Bupivacaine InfiltrationDrug

    At the end of laparoscopic hysterectomy, 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be infiltrated into each trocar site. This intervention targets somatic pain originating from trocar entry points. It is administered only in the Local Anesthesia (LA) Group. The total dose of bupivacaine from all applications will remain within recommended safety limits.

  • Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine sprayDrug

    A total of 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be instilled intraperitoneally after completion of the surgical procedure. This intervention is designed to reduce visceral and peritoneal irritation-related pain following laparoscopic hysterectomy. The combined bupivacaine dose from trocar-site infiltration and intraperitoneal instillation will not exceed 2 mg/kg.

Study groups in NCT07232108
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intrathecal Morphine GroupExperimentalParticipants in this arm will receive 200 µg of preservative-free intrathecal morphine administered at the L3-L4 interspace prior to induction of general anesthesia. This intervention is intended to provide early postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Receives: Drug: Intrathecal Morphine
Local Anesthesia GroupActive comparatorParticipants in this arm will receive 0.25% bupivacaine infiltration (5 mL at each trocar site) and 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine administered intraperitoneally at the end of surgery. The total dose of bupivacaine will not exceed 2 mg/kg. This technique aims to reduce postoperative somatic and visceral pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Receives: Drug: Trocar-Site Bupivacaine Infiltration; Drug: Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine spray

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Postoperative quality of recovery at 24 hours measured by QoR-15

    The primary outcome is the overall postoperative recovery quality at 24 hours, assessed using the 15-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire (QoR-15). This scale evaluates physical comfort, emotional state, physical independence, psychological support, and pain to provide a comprehensive patient-centered measure of recovery.

    Measured: 24 hours postoperatively

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Time to first rescue opioid requirement

    Duration (in hours) from the end of surgery to the first administration of rescue opioid (oxycodone 5 mg) for postoperative pain relief.

    Measured: From end of surgery until first rescue opioid administration (up to 24 hours)

  2. Total opioid consumption within 24 hours

    Total amount of rescue opioid consumed by the patient within the first 24 hours after surgery, expressed in milligrams.

    Measured: 0-24 hours postoperatively

  3. Time to first mobilization

    Time (in hours) from the end of surgery until the patient is able to ambulate independently for the first time postoperatively.

    Measured: 0-24 hours postoperatively

  4. Time to first bowel movement

    Time (in hours) from the end of surgery until the patient reports the first postoperative bowel movement.

    Measured: 0-24 hours postoperatively

  5. Postoperative pain scores (VAS)

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a continuous scale ranging from 0 to 10. Scores are recorded by patients marking a line, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable". Higher scores indicate a worse outcome (more severe pain). Assessments will be performed at rest and during movement (e.g., coughing) at 2-hour intervals from 2 to 24 hours postoperatively.

    Measured: 2-24 hours postoperatively

  6. Postoperative complications

    Incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and respiratory depression within the first 24 hours after surgery.

    Measured: 0-24 hours postoperatively

  7. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)

    NLR measured preoperatively and at 24 hours postoperatively to evaluate systemic inflammatory response.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 24 hours postoperatively

  8. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)

    PLR measured preoperatively and at 24 hours postoperatively to evaluate systemic inflammatory response.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 24 hours postoperatively

  9. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR)

    LMR measured preoperatively and at 24 hours postoperatively to evaluate systemic inflammatory response.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 24 hours postoperatively

  10. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII)

    SII measured preoperatively (T0) and at 24 hours postoperatively (T13) to evaluate systemic inflammatory response.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 24 hours postoperatively

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Nov 2025
  2. Study start1 Dec 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion2 Jun 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study uses a two-arm, parallel-group design in which participants are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intrathecal morphine or trocar-site plus intraperitoneal bupivacaine.
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
64 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07232108
Sponsor's protocol ID
B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/697
Other IDs
2025/1
Acronym
ITM-LH-QoR
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
14 Nov 2025
Last updated
8 Dec 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the study involves sensitive patient health information, and data confidentiality will be strictly maintained according to institutional ethical guidelines.

Publications

  • Yang Y, Lin W, Zhuo Y, Luo Y, Wu X, Li J, Yao Y. Intrathecal Morphine and Ropivacaine for Quality of Recovery After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2024 Dec 18;18:6133-6143. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S500316. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39717198
  • Xing H, Yuan D, Zhu Y, Jiang L. A nomogram model based on SII, AFR, and NLR to predict infectious complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy for cervical cancer. World J Surg Oncol. 2024 Jul 24;22(1):190. doi: 10.1186/s12957-024-03489-0.

    PubMed 39049119
  • Canikli Adiguzel S, Akyurt D, Bahadir Altun H, Tulgar S, Ultan Ozgen G. Can Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio, or Systemic Immune Inflammation Index Be an Indicator of Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? Cureus. 2023 Jan 19;15(1):e33955. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33955. eCollection 2023 Jan.

    PubMed 36820108
  • Aslanlar E, Aslanlar DA, Doganay C, Onal O, Sargin M, Cicekci F, Kara F, Kara I. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Apr 19;103(16):e37867. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037867.

    PubMed 38640327
  • Myles PS, Shulman MA, Reilly J, Kasza J, Romero L. Measurement of quality of recovery after surgery using the 15-item quality of recovery scale: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. 2022 Jun;128(6):1029-1039. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.03.009. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

    PubMed 35430086
  • Kleif J, Waage J, Christensen KB, Gogenur I. Systematic review of the QoR-15 score, a patient- reported outcome measure measuring quality of recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 2018 Jan;120(1):28-36. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2017.11.013. Epub 2017 Nov 22.

    PubMed 29397134
  • Stark PA, Myles PS, Burke JA. Development and psychometric evaluation of a postoperative quality of recovery score: the QoR-15. Anesthesiology. 2013 Jun;118(6):1332-40. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0b013e318289b84b.

    PubMed 23411725
  • Pirie K, Doane MA, Riedel B, Myles PS. Analgesia for major laparoscopic abdominal surgery: a randomised feasibility trial using intrathecal morphine. Anaesthesia. 2022 Apr;77(4):428-437. doi: 10.1111/anae.15651. Epub 2022 Jan 17.

    PubMed 35038165
  • Kaya C, Dost B, Turunc E, Ustun YB, Kibar AN, Cebeci H, De Cassai A, Elsharkawy H. Unilateral subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum block versus intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain in laparoscopic nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2025 Jul 10:rapm-2025-106844. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2025-106844. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 40639953
  • Gluck O, Barber E, Feldstein O, Tal O, Kerner R, Keidar R, Wolfson I, Ginath S, Bar J, Sagiv R. The effect of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal anesthesia on post laparoscopic pain: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 8;11(1):81. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80130-6.

    PubMed 33420214
  • Lirk P, Thiry J, Bonnet MP, Joshi GP, Bonnet F; PROSPECT Working Group. Pain management after laparoscopic hysterectomy: systematic review of literature and PROSPECT recommendations. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Apr;44(4):425-436. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2018-100024. Epub 2019 Feb 3.

    PubMed 30914471
  • Elsaeed UA, Algyoushy EAFIH, Hatem DLM. Effect of port-site and intraperitoneal local anesthetic injection versus placebo on postoperative pain and recovery after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 12;15(1):32466. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-18389-w.

    PubMed 40940430
  • Antoun L, Smith P, Afifi Y, Cullis K, Clark TJ. Short stay laparoscopic hysterectomy: An evaluation of feasibility and patient satisfaction. Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2021 Dec;13(4):377-385. doi: 10.52054/FVVO.13.4.039.

    PubMed 35026099

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intrathecal Morphine, Trocar-Site Bupivacaine Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine spray in people with Postoperative Pain Management and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, run by Ataturk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Ayşenur Dostbil, Associate Professor (+90-533-367-66-96, adostbil@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Postoperative quality of recovery at 24 hours measured by QoR-15 (time frame: 24 hours postoperatively). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07232108, which also lists 13 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Dec 2025.

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