Can a spinal morphine shot plus a nerve block slash opioid needs after big belly surgery?
NCT ID NCT07720739
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether combining two pain-relief methods—a nerve block (erector spinae plane block) and a low-dose spinal morphine injection—works better than either alone for patients recovering from major midline abdominal surgery. The goal is to see if the combo improves pain control and cuts down on opioid use in the first 48 hours after surgery. The study enrolls adults scheduled for elective or emergency laparotomy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- intrathecal morphine and erector spinae plane block
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this combination could offer better pain relief and reduce the need for strong opioids after major abdominal surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply to all patients. Adding spinal morphine carries risks like itching, nausea, or breathing problems.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Patients scheduled to undergo elective or emergency midline exploratory laparotomy. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III. Intact cognitive ability to comprehend study procedures, use the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) accurately, and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria Contraindications to regional or neuraxial anesthesia (e.g., patient refusal, localized infection at needle insertion sites, known coagulopathy (INR \>1.5 or platelet count \<80,000/\\mu L), or un-pausable therapeutic anticoagulation). Known allergy or severe hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or morphine. Chronic pain conditions requiring daily opioid consumption for \>3 months preoperatively. Documented history of substance use disorder. Severe chronic respiratory disease (e.g., COPD requiring home oxygen therapy, or severe obstructive sleep apnea not managed with CPAP). Neurological or psychiatric conditions that compromise sensory perception or communication. Surgical incisions planned to extend significantly past the midline. Severe spinal deformities or a history of spinal surgery at the targeted block/injection interspaces. Concurrent enrollment in any other interventional clinical trial.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Sohag University Hospital
RECRUITINGSohag, Egypt
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