Nerve block vs. epidural: which eases Post-Surgery pain better?

NCT ID NCT07634731

First seen Jun 09, 2026 · Last updated Jun 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at two methods for controlling pain after open stomach surgery: a nerve block (bilateral rectus sheath block) and an epidural. Sixty adults scheduled for elective open gastrectomy were randomly assigned to receive either continuous bupivacaine via the nerve block or a saline placebo. The goal was to see which approach reduced opioid use and pain scores in the first 72 hours after surgery.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Riga East Clinical University Hospital

    Riga, Riga, 1039, Latvia

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 show that a nerve block is a good alternative to epidural for pain control after stomach surgery, possibly reducing opioid use.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 60 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and the nerve block may not work as well as expected for everyone.

As listed by the trial registrant

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