Comparison of ESP and QL Blocks for Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Appendectomy (ESP-QLB) (NCT07301528) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Comparison of ESP and QL Blocks for Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Appendectomy (ESP-QLB)
Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2025-12-13
Plain-language summary
This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the analgesic effectiveness of the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block and the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) block in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy. Both regional anesthesia techniques have been shown to reduce opioid requirements and improve postoperative recovery in children; however, there is limited evidence directly comparing their efficacy. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an ESP or a QL block in addition to standard general anesthesia before surgical incision. Postoperative outcomes will include pain scores, total opioid consumption, time to first analgesic requirement, mobilization time, parental satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications and block performance time. The findings are expected to guide clinicians in selecting the most effective regional anesthesia technique for postoperative pain control in pediatric appendectomy.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 13 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:
* Patients aged 3-13 years
* Diagnosis of acute appendicitis requiring appendectomy
* ASA physical status I-II
* Planned general anesthesia with intraoperative regional block (ESP or QL block)
* Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians
Exclusion Criteria:
* Refusal of regional block by family or anesthesia team
* Coagulopathy or anticoagulant medication use
* Local infection at the block injection site
* Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics
* Neurological or neuromuscular disorders
* Cognitive impairment preventing postoperative pain assessment
* Conversion to open surgery
* Intraoperative complications requiring deviation from study protocol
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
1
Postoperative Pain Score
Timeframe: Pain scores will be assessed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours.