Nerve block may reduce opioid use after stomach surgery

NCT ID NCT07634731

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Igors Ivanovs Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compared two methods of pain control after open stomach surgery: a nerve block (rectus sheath block) using bupivacaine versus standard epidural pain relief. Sixty adults scheduled for elective open gastrectomy were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The researchers measured pain levels and the amount of opioid painkillers needed in the first 72 hours after surgery, as well as recovery of bowel function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: bupivacaine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a safer, opioid-sparing pain management option for patients undergoing open stomach surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 60 participants. Results may not apply to all patients or surgeries, and the nerve block may not work as well as standard epidural pain relief.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

gastric cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BILATERAL RECTUS SHEATH BLOCK THORACIC EPIDURAL ANALGESIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Riga East Clinical University Hospital

Riga, Riga, 1039, Latvia

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