NCT05906134 · Swedish Medical Center
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Pain Control Trial
What this study is about
A pilot randomly assigned controlled trial comparing intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-ablation plus intercostal nerve blocks, and serratus plane catheter plus intercostal nerve blocks in patients undergoing esophagectomies with minimally invasive thoracic approaches.
View original scientific description
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-ablation plus intercostal nerve blocks, and serratus plane catheter plus intercostal nerve blocks in patients undergoing esophagectomies with minimally invasive thoracic approaches.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Local intercostal nerve block
Patients receiving intercostal blocks will receive a total of 1.0 cc/kg of 0.25% Bupivacaine + epinephrine. This will be divided into two-thirds allocated for use in the chest/intercostal block and one-third allocated for use in the abdomen.
PROCEDURE
Cryo-analgesia and intercostal nerve block
The cryo-ablation will occur 2 cm from the sympathetic chain 2 intercostal spaces above and 2 intercostal spaces below the access incision. The patient will also receive a total of 1.2 cc/kg of 0.25% Bupivacaine + epinephrine. This will be divided into two-thirds allocated for use in the chest/intercostal block and one-third allocated for use in the abdomen.
PROCEDURE
Serratus plane catheter blocks and intercostal nerve blocks
A total of 1.2 cc/kg of 0.25% Bupivacaine + epinephrine will be administered. A total of 20 cc of the weight-based calculation will be reserved for the serratus plane catheter. The remaining local anesthetic will be divided into two-thirds for the chest and one-third for the abdomen. Patients with serratus plane catheters will have an ongoing infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 8 ml per hour. The serratus plane catheters will also receive a bolus of 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine on POD #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 by the pain service.
PROCEDURE
Thoracic epidural catheter
The pain service and thoracic surgery attending physician will assess if the patient's pain is not well-controlled using the pain modality they are randomized to. If additional pain control is needed, this will likely consist of a thoracic epidural catheter. Any additional pain control will be added as an adjunct to the study arm and will be noted in the data set.
Primary outcome measures
Post Operative Pain Change Over Time
Time frame: Baseline (prior to OR) to every 12 hours postoperatively thru Post Operative Day 4.
Compare post-operative pain score changes over time between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain
Time frame: Baseline (Prior to OR)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain
Time frame: Post-Op Time 0
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 1 (AM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 1 (AM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 1 (PM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 1 (PM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 2 (AM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 2 (AM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 2 (PM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 2 (PM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 3 (AM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 3 (AM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 3 (PM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 3 (PM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 4 (AM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 4 (AM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Post Operative Pain Day 4 (PM)
Time frame: Post Operative Day 4 (PM)
Compare single timepoint post-operative pain scores between intercostal nerve blocks, cryo-analgesia, and serratus plane catheters in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients will be asked specifically about thoracic/chest pain and asked to rate this pain on a Likert pain scale of 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain they can imagine.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- All adult individuals who undergo an esophagectomy with an intended 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
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to consent
- Additional surgical procedures planned
- Patients with previous thoracic surgery
- Patient with chronic pain on a daily regimen of narcotics
- Non-English speaking
- Contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia (ongoing anticoagulation, anticipated post-operative therapeutic anticoagulation, spinal cord stimulators, anatomic abnormalities preventing epidural placement)
Where
- Seattle, Washington
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 23, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations