Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Autonomic Neural Field Block for Visceral Pain in Minimally Invasive Left-Sided Colectomy

400 participantsStarted 2026-01-20

Plain-language summary

Effective postoperative pain control is a core component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways in colorectal surgery; however, postoperative pain following minimally invasive left-sided colectomy remains a persistent clinical challenge. Standard multimodal analgesic strategies primarily target somatic pain pathways and may inadequately address visceral postoperative pain, which is mediated through autonomic afferent neural pathways. Residual visceral pain is associated with increased opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, delayed recovery, and prolonged length of stay. This prospective, multicenter observational registry evaluates the feasibility and real-world outcomes of an intraoperative autonomic neural field block targeting the superior hypogastric and inferior mesenteric plexuses during minimally invasive left-sided colectomy. The technique is performed under direct visualization as an adjunct to standard ERAS-based analgesic care. The primary outcome is postoperative opioid consumption within the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include opioid use through 48 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting, antiemetic use, pain scores, length of stay, and readiness for discharge. Data from this registry will inform future comparative studies and help define the role of autonomic neural modulation in perioperative pain management for colorectal surgery.

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: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Scheduled for elective minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) left-sided colonic or rectal resection with primary anastomosis constructed above the peritoneal reflection (e.g., sigmoid colectomy, left colectomy, anterior resection/rectosigmoid resection with intraperitoneal anastomosis). * Planned intraoperative administration of autonomic neural field block targeting the superior hypogastric plexus and/or inferior mesenteric plexus, performed under direct visualization, as part of routine operative workflow. * Managed perioperatively under an institutional standard analgesic pathway (e.g., ERAS or equivalent), with postoperative opioid administration recorded in the medical record. * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Emergency/urgent colorectal surgery (e.g., perforation, uncontrolled bleeding, toxic megacolon, obstructing cancer requiring urgent operation). * Planned open left-sided colectomy/rectal resection (minimally invasive approach not intended). * Procedures in which no primary anastomosis is created (e.g., Hartmann's procedure, end colostomy, permanent diversion without anastomosis). * Planned low pelvic/extra-peritoneal anastomosis (e.g., low anterior resection with anastomosis at or below the peritoneal reflection) or planned handsewn coloanal anastomosis. * Known allergy or contraindication to the local anesthetic agents used for the block (or inability to receive local anesthetic for clinic…

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

Opiod consumption

Timeframe: 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07351994

SponsorAntonio Caycedo, MD

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-20

Contact for this trial

Caycedo, MD. MSc

3218433864 antonio.caycedo@orlandohealth.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Postoperative Pain trials