Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Pain Control Trial

Launched by SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Pain Control Trial is a research study aimed at finding better ways to manage pain after patients have surgery to remove part of the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. In this trial, researchers are comparing three different methods of pain relief: a technique that blocks nerves in the chest area, another method that combines nerve blocking with a special freezing technique, and a third method that uses a continuous pain relief catheter along with nerve blocks. The goal is to see which method works best to help patients feel more comfortable during their recovery.

To be part of this study, participants must be adults aged 65 to 74 who are scheduled for a specific type of minimally invasive esophagus surgery at Swedish Medical Center-First Hill. People who cannot agree to participate, are under 18, have had previous chest surgeries, or have certain medical conditions may not be eligible. Those who join the study can expect to receive one of the three pain management techniques during their surgery and will help researchers learn which method might help future patients have a smoother recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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:
• • Age \<18
• • 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)