TerminatedNot Applicable

A Trial Comparing Transversus Abdominis Plane Catheter Versus Epidural After Esophagectomy

Stopped: COVID 19

United States38 participantsStarted 2018-01-01

Plain-language summary

A randomized trial comparing perioperative outcomes between bilateral transversus abdominis plane TAP catheters with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) to epidural for esophagectomy patients with a VATS chest approach. Further objectives are to determine pain requirements between multiple modalities of pain control and compare the subsequent sequelae of narcotic use and blood pressure control and to compare complications such as anastomotic leak, atrial fibrillation and perioperative morbidity and mortality between the two groups.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All adult individuals who undergo an esophagectomy with a minimally invasive approach of the chest at Swedish Medical Center-First Hill. These approaches include: * 3 hole with R video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) * Ivor Lewis R VATS * Transhiatal Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 * Unable to consent * Additional surgical procedures planned * Patient with chronic pain on a daily regimen of narcotics * Patients who remain intubated greater than 24 hours post operatively * Non-English speaking

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain scores

Timeframe: Up to post-operative day 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03570996

SponsorSwedish Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03-01

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