REctus Sheath Trial

Launched by DUKE UNIVERSITY · Jul 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different ways to perform a type of nerve block called the rectus sheath block, which is used to reduce pain after abdominal surgery. This nerve block works by numbing specific nerves in the abdominal wall to help control pain. The study aims to find out which technique—placing the needle across the muscle (transverse) or along the muscle (longitudinal)—provides better pain relief by more effectively spreading the numbing medicine.

Adults aged 18 and older who are generally healthy and weigh more than 60 kg may be eligible to join. People with recent abdominal surgery, certain health issues, or pregnancy would not qualify. Participants will have the nerve block performed using ultrasound guidance, and researchers will test how well the numbness spreads by checking sensation with gentle pinpricks and cold sensations. This study is not yet recruiting but hopes to help improve pain control methods after surgery in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. Ability to provide written informed consent
• • 2. Ability and willingness to comply with the study procedures and duration requirements
• • 3. ASA physical status 1 or 2
• • 4. Age ≥ 18 years
• • 5. Weight \> 60kg
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 1. BMI \> 40kg.m-2
• • 2. Use of analgesics within 24 hours before the procedure
• • 3. History of abdominal trauma or surgery
• • 4. Abdominal deformities or abnormalities that may prevent proper block performance
• • 5. Abdominal tattoos in the supraumbilical area
• • 6. Systemic neuromuscular disease
• • 7. Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., infection, allergy)
• • 8. Structures are unable to be visualized by ultrasound
• • 9. Pregnancy
• • 10. Other known health conditions that would affect the participant's ability to successfully complete the study