TAP Block Versus ESP Block in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: a Randomized Control… (NCT07292662) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
TAP Block Versus ESP Block in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Italy90 participantsStarted 2026-01-07
Plain-language summary
This study is comparing two types of pain relief techniques-TAP block and ESP block-for women having an elective cesarean section. Both techniques involve injecting local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance to numb nerves and reduce pain after surgery. The TAP block mainly relieves pain in the abdominal wall, while the ESP block may reduce both abdominal wall and deeper, organ-related pain. The main goal is to see if there's a difference in pain at rest six hours after surgery. The study will also look at pain at later time points, the amount of opioid medication needed, how quickly women can walk, and when they start breastfeeding.
A total of 156 women will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two blocks after standard spinal anesthesia. Pain will be measured using a simple 0-10 scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours, both at rest and during movement. The study follows strict ethical rules, ensures patient privacy, and all results-whether positive or negative-will be shared to help improve pain management after cesarean delivery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Age between 18 and 45 years
* Elective cesarean section
* Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Allergy to any of the drugs used in the study
* Heart disease with impaired cardiac function
* Stage III or higher kidney failure
* Coagulation disorders (platelets \<100,000/μL or INR \>1.5) or severe liver disease
* Degenerative central nervous system diseases or peripheral neuropathies
* Previous uterine surgery (e.g., myomectomy)
* Previous cesarean section
Pre-pregnancy weight \<55 kg
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.