Pain relief showdown: which method helps liver surgery patients recover faster?
NCT ID NCT03214510
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase III trial compares two pain relief methods for patients undergoing open liver surgery for cancer: thoracic epidural analgesia and a four-quadrant TAP block. The study aims to see which method leads to a shorter hospital stay and better pain control. About 101 participants are being studied at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Bupivacaine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
What this could lead to
If this trial succeeds, it could show that one pain relief method is better for recovery after liver surgery, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and less pain.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center trial with only 101 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Both methods have known risks like infection or side effects from pain medications.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States