New pain block for kids after chest surgery shows promise in early study
NCT ID NCT03768440
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared two nerve block methods for controlling pain after chest surgery in children and teens. The goal was to see if a newer block (erector spinae) was as good as the standard one (paravertebral) at reducing pain and the need for strong painkillers. The study was stopped early with only 34 participants, so results are limited.
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
-
Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
-
34 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Apr 2019
- Finished
-
Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
1 month to 12 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * ASA I - III status, undergoing unilateral thoracotomy for either esophageal atresia related intrathoracic procedures or other non-cardiac general surgical intrathoracic procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing procedures including pleurodesis, pleural stripping, and decortication or other procedures with widely distributed pleural disruption. * Patients with severe neurodevelopmental delays. * Patients with previous chronic pain syndromes. * Patients with a history of opioid treatment at any point in the 2 months prior to surgery. * Lack of parental consent and/or child assent.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Pain, postoperative are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Boston Children"S Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can simple breathing exercises ease pain after knee replacement surgery?
- Three ways to block hernia surgery pain go head to head
- Could a small electrical device cut painkiller use after hip surgery?
- Can a blood pressure drug cut opioid needs during bowel surgery?
- Two nerve blocks go head to head for breast surgery pain
- Propofol vs. inhaled anesthesia: which one spares your recovery?