Can a simple nerve block prevent breathing trouble after obesity surgery?
NCT ID NCT07022600
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a nerve block (erector spinae plane block) can reduce diaphragm dysfunction after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese patients. 80 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the nerve block or a placebo. The researchers measured diaphragm movement and lung function before and after surgery. The goal is to see if this technique can prevent breathing complications common in this group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- bupivacaine (a local anesthetic used in the nerve block)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple way to reduce breathing problems after weight-loss surgery in severely obese patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 80 patients. The nerve block may not improve diaphragm function, and results may not apply to all patients.
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
-
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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80 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2025
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- 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 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * morbidly obese (body mass index\> 40) * undergoing sleeve gastrectomy Exclusion Criteria: * allergy to bupivacaine * respiratory comorbidities * preoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction * Patient refusal * inability to adequately visualize diaphragm
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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
Locations
-
Cairo University
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, 6890, Egypt
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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