Intrathecal Morphine Versus Epidural Analgesia for Open Colon Surgery

Launched by MERI MIRCETA · Apr 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different ways to manage pain after open surgery for colorectal cancer. Researchers want to compare intrathecal morphine, which is a single injection in the spine, to continuous epidural analgesia, where a tube delivers pain relief medicine through the spine. They hope to find out which method helps patients feel less pain while resting and moving after surgery. The trial will look at how effective each method is, as well as any side effects, such as low blood pressure or the need for extra pain medications.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 18 and 80 years old and undergoing abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer. They should generally be in good health, without serious blood clotting issues or other medical conditions that might complicate the pain management methods. Participants can expect to be closely monitored during their recovery, with the aim of finding the best way to keep patients comfortable and help them heal after surgery. Overall, the study aims to improve pain management for patients, making their recovery smoother.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Male or female patients with colorectal carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery aged 18-80 years, ASA classification I-III, Body Mass Index (BMI) 15-35 kg/m2.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • abnormal coagulation function, defined as prothrombin time or activated partial prothrombin time above standard laboratory values or an international normalised ratio (INR) ≥1.4; or receiving ongoing therapeutic anticoagulation,
• • thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count \<80×10 9 L-1,
• • pre-existing skin infection at the neuraxial anesthesia puncture site,
• • pre-existing neurologic deficit, including peripheral neuropathy,
• • patients with dementia or other medical condition that includes communication difficulties,
• • patients with bradycardia (pulse \<50/min) or with conduction block (2nd or 3rd degree)
• • history of opioid abuse,
• • allergies to any of the drugs used in the study.
• • Additionally, patients converted from laparoscopy to laparotomy due to technical surgical issues, patients with postoperative surgical complications (need for revision) or if epidural catheter placement/spinal anesthesia is unsuccessful even after an attempt by a senior anesthesiologist will also be excluded.