Postoperative PainNCT07396545
External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy
A study testing External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group in people with Postoperative Pain, run by General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
Postoperative pain is highly prevalent following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Although the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can effectively alleviate this pain, it still has many limitations. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain
- What is being tested?
- External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 184 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 12 Mar 2026to 9 Feb 2027
- 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 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged over 18 years
- Classified as ASA I-III
- Scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia
- Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Chronic opioid dependence or prior use of analgesic medications for >3 months;
- Inability to communicate due to severe dementia, language barriers, or terminal illness;
- History of central and/or peripheral nervous system disorders;
- Severe renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >442 μmol/L or requiring renal replacement therapy) or severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class C);
- Allergy to local anesthetics.
- Expected to be transferred to ICU after surgery.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
General hospital of Ningxia medical university
Yinchuan, Ningxia
lingzi Yin, Doctoral, 86-951-674-3252, eleven87670@163.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Ultrasound-guided External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy
Postoperative pain is highly prevalent following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Although the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can effectively alleviate this pain, it still has many limitations. The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a novel nerve block technique that may provide well postoperative analgesia for upper abdominal surgery. Therefore, this study employs a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design to verify that the analgesic effect of EOIB is not inferior to that of ESPB, thereby offering more options for regional analgesia strategies in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.
Read the detailed description
Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (including subtotal and total gastrectomy) is the most commonly used surgical approach for gastric cancer. Although this technique is less invasive than traditional open surgery, more than 50% of patients still experience moderate to severe acute pain in the early postoperative period, making effective postoperative pain management essential. Regional nerve blockade techniques have become a key component of postoperative analgesia due to their reliable analgesic effect and significant reduction in opioid consumption.
The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is considered a relatively safe nerve block for upper abdominal surgery analgesia. However, the spread of the local anesthetic and the resulting block effect are unpredictable. Moreover, ESPB cannot be performed with the patient in the supine position and may present technical challenges in obese patients.
The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a recently proposed regional block technique for the upper abdomen. This block involves injecting local anesthetic into the superficial fascial plane between the external oblique muscle and the intercostal muscles, thereby blocking the anterior rami and cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves from T6-T10, which can provide effective analgesia for upper abdominal incision areas.
Nevertheless, current research on the analgesic effect of EOIB after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy remains limited, particularly lacking high-quality, prospective, randomized controlled studies to verify whether EOIB can achieve analgesic effects comparable to those of ESPB. Therefore, this study adopts a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design to verify that the postoperative analgesic effect of EOIB is not inferior to that of ESPB, providing more options for regional analgesia strategies in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain
- Being tested
- External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block, Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
External Oblique Intercostal Plane BlockProcedure or surgery
With the patient in the supine position, a high-frequency linear array probe (6-15 MHz) is used to perform a sagittal parasagittal oblique scan at the level of the 6th rib, between the right anterior axillary line and midclavicular line. The external oblique muscle, intercostal muscles, and ribs are identified. Using an in-plane technique, a 21G, 100mm block needle is inserted from a superomedial to inferolateral direction, with the needle tip positioned in the plane between the external oblique muscle and the intercostal muscles at the caudal edge of the 6th rib. 30ml of 0.375% ropivacaine is injected on each side, for a bilateral administration.
Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) groupProcedure or surgery
With the patient in the lateral decubitus position (surgical side up), a low-frequency convex array probe (2-5 MHz) is used to perform a sagittal scan approximately 2-3 cm lateral to the spinous process of T8 or T9. The transverse process and the erector spinae muscle are identified. Using an out-of-plane technique, a 21G, 100mm block needle is advanced until contact is made with the transverse process. The needle is then withdrawn 1-2 mm to position its tip within the fascial plane deep to the erector spinae muscle and superficial to the transverse process. 30 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine is injected on each side, for a bilateral administration.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ESPB | Experimental | After patients entering the operating room, an intravenous line was established, and Erector Spinae Plane Block was performed under ultrasound guidance. Receives: Procedure: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group |
| EOIB | Experimental | After patients entering the operating room, an intravenous line was established, and External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block was performed under ultrasound guidance. Receives: Procedure: External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours postoperatively
Cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours postoperatively. Conversion to morphine equivalent dose (mg)
Measured: 24 hours after surgery
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity
Pain at rest and during coughing will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS, 0-10) at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively.0 represents no pain, and 10 represents the most pain.
Measured: 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively
Quality of Recovery
The 15-item Quality of Recovery scale (QoR-15) was used for assessment at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. The higher the score, the better the recovery quality
Measured: 24,48,72 hours after surgery
sleep quality
Sleep quality was assessed using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) on postoperative nights.0 points represent very poor sleep, while 100 points represent very good sleep
Measured: 24,48,72 hours after surgery
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Feb 2026
- Study start12 Mar 2026
- Primary completion6 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion9 Feb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 184 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Xinli Ni, Doctoral, Study chair, 86-951-674-3252
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07396545
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Lingzi-2026-1
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Ultrasound-guided External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07396545
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Lingzi-2026-1
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 184 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 6 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 9 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Postoperative pain is highly prevalent following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Although the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can effectively alleviate this pain, it still has many limitations. The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a novel nerve block technique that may provide well postoperative analgesia for upper abdominal surgery. Therefore, this study employs a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design to verify that the analgesic effect of EOIB is not inferior to that of ESPB, thereby offering more options for regional analgesia strategies in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.
Detailed description
Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (including subtotal and total gastrectomy) is the most commonly used surgical approach for gastric cancer. Although this technique is less invasive than traditional open surgery, more than 50% of patients still experience moderate to severe acute pain in the early postoperative period, making effective postoperative pain management essential. Regional nerve blockade techniques have become a key component of postoperative analgesia due to their reliable analgesic effect and significant reduction in opioid consumption.
The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is considered a relatively safe nerve block for upper abdominal surgery analgesia. However, the spread of the local anesthetic and the resulting block effect are unpredictable. Moreover, ESPB cannot be performed with the patient in the supine position and may present technical challenges in obese patients.
The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a recently proposed regional block technique for the upper abdomen. This block involves injecting local anesthetic into the superficial fascial plane between the external oblique muscle and the intercostal muscles, thereby blocking the anterior rami and cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves from T6-T10, which can provide effective analgesia for upper abdominal incision areas.
Nevertheless, current research on the analgesic effect of EOIB after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy remains limited, particularly lacking high-quality, prospective, randomized controlled studies to verify whether EOIB can achieve analgesic effects comparable to those of ESPB. Therefore, this study adopts a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design to verify that the postoperative analgesic effect of EOIB is not inferior to that of ESPB, providing more options for regional analgesia strategies in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ESPB | Experimental | Procedure: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) groupAfter patients entering the operating room, an intravenous line was established, and Erector Spinae Plane Block was performed under ultrasound guidance. |
| EOIB | Experimental | Procedure: External Oblique Intercostal Plane BlockAfter patients entering the operating room, an intravenous line was established, and External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block was performed under ultrasound guidance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients aged over 18 years
- Classified as ASA I-III
- Scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia
- Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Chronic opioid dependence or prior use of analgesic medications for >3 months;
- Inability to communicate due to severe dementia, language barriers, or terminal illness;
- History of central and/or peripheral nervous system disorders;
- Severe renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >442 μmol/L or requiring renal replacement therapy) or severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class C);
- Allergy to local anesthetics.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| External Oblique Intercostal Plane BlockWith the patient in the supine position, a high-frequency linear array probe (6-15 MHz) is used to perform a sagittal parasagittal oblique scan at the level of the 6th rib, between the right anterior axillary line and midclavicular line. The external oblique muscle, intercostal muscles, and ribs are identified. Using an in-plane technique, a 21G, 100mm block needle is inserted from a superomedial to inferolateral direction, with the needle tip positioned in the plane between the external oblique muscle and the intercostal muscles at the caudal edge of the 6th rib. 30ml of 0.375% ropivacaine is injected on each side, for a bilateral administration. | Procedure or surgery | EOIB |
| Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) groupWith the patient in the lateral decubitus position (surgical side up), a low-frequency convex array probe (2-5 MHz) is used to perform a sagittal scan approximately 2-3 cm lateral to the spinous process of T8 or T9. The transverse process and the erector spinae muscle are identified. Using an out-of-plane technique, a 21G, 100mm block needle is advanced until contact is made with the transverse process. The needle is then withdrawn 1-2 mm to position its tip within the fascial plane deep to the erector spinae muscle and superficial to the transverse process. 30 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine is injected on each side, for a bilateral administration. | Procedure or surgery | ESPB |
Primary outcome
Cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours postoperatively
Time frame: 24 hours after surgery
Cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours postoperatively. Conversion to morphine equivalent dose (mg)
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively
Quality of Recovery
Time frame: 24,48,72 hours after surgery
sleep quality
Time frame: 24,48,72 hours after surgery
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Xinli Ni, Doctoral study chair
86-951-674-3252
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group in people with Postoperative Pain, run by General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University at 1 site in China.
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 6 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 16 Mar 2026. 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 China. 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 Lingzi Yin, Doctoral (86-951-674-3252, eleven87670@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours postoperatively (time frame: 24 hours after surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 16 Mar 2026.