Non-opioid Anesthesia Based on Thoracic Paravertebral Block During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

NCT ID: NCT07084753

Last Updated: 2025-07-24

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 36 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-07-30
• Study Completion Date: 2025-10-31

Brief Summary

Regional anesthesia is a technique in which a local anesthetic is injected near a nerve or spinal cord to block sensation, motor stimulation, and pain. In this study, an ultrasound-guided paravertebral block will be used, with careful consideration of all positive and negative factors and possible complications. A thoracic paravertebral block is performed by inserting a needle into the intercostal spaces on the back, approximately 4 cm lateral to the spine. Many studies support excellent pain control with this technique, during and after surgery in thoracic and abdominal surgery. Investigators aim to achieve faster patient mobility after surgery, rapid recovery of bowel function, reduced nausea and vomiting, and maximum pain control. The use of opioids, which can additionally cause respiratory suppression and drowsiness, is avoided.

At any time in case of need to switch from laparoscopic to open surgery, equally adequate anesthesia and postoperative analgesia are ensured without the need to change the approach to the same. In this study, the basic scientific assumption (hypothesis) of the researchers is that non-opioid anesthesia with thoracic paravertebral block provides adequate pain control during and long-term after the surgical procedure, without the side effects of opioid anesthesia.

The main goal of the study is to determine which type of anesthesia results in the best pain control and most significantly reduces complications of anesthesia and surgery in overweight patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic longitudinal gastrectomy and partial/total gastrectomy.

Detailed Description

Morbid obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastric resection need specific care during surgery and post-surgery. Postoperative pain management of these patients after this type of surgery is a challenge because of the high prevalence of nausea, vomiting, and higher risk of respiratory depression in obese patients, making the use of opioids undesirable. Various techniques have been used during and after surgery to control moderate to severe pain for early mobilization: OFA (opioid-free anesthesia) based on intravenous use of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine, or OBA (opioid-based anesthesia) in combination with regional anesthesia, to reduce the use of opioids. Regional anesthesia can be used as an additional modality of analgesia within OFA (opioid-free anesthesia) or opioid-based anesthesia (OBA), which either completely avoid the use of opioids or significantly reduce them. Investigators will compare opioid-based general anesthesia (OBA group) as the standard of anesthesia for bariatric surgery with intraoperative opioid- free anesthesia based on thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB group) and intraoperative opioid-free anesthesia based on intravenous dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine (OFA group). The primary objective is to compare pain levels as measured by the 0-10 NRS and to compare opioid and analgesic consumption in the perioperative period.

Conditions

Obese Patients; Bariatric Surgical Pain; Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy ); Non-Opioid Pain Management; PONV; Postoperative Analgesia; Postoperative Pain; Thoracic Paravertebral Block; Opioid Free Anesthesia

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Opioid based anesthesia (OBA)

Premedication: pantoprazole 40 mg i.v. 1h before surgery. Following three-minute preoxygenation, sufentanil (5 to 15 micrograms), propofol (1 to 2 mg/kg ideal body weight), and rocuronium (0.8 to 1 mg/kg ideal body weight) are administered intravenously during induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia is sustained with sevoflurane maintained at 0.6-1.3 MAC. Sufentanil is added at the assessment of the anesthesiologist in the operating room. To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive intraoperatively dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intravenously. Intraoperative pain management includes metamizole (2.5 g) and acetaminophen (1 g). For pain levels of 4 or higher on a numerical rating scale (NRS), treatment options include metamizole (2.5 g), pethidine (25 to 100 mg), or tramadol (100 mg). For nausea and vomiting, intravenous doses of ondansetron or metoclopramide are provided as needed.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Sufentanil

Intervention Type: DRUG

Following three-minute preoxygenation, sufentanil (5 to 15 micrograms), propofol (1 to 2 mg/kg ideal body weight), and rocuronium (0.8 to 1 mg/kg ideal body weight) are administered intravenously during induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia is sustained with sevoflurane maintained at 0.6-1.3 MAC. Sufentanil is added at the assessment of the anesthesiologist in the operating room.

Opioid based Anesthesia

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be anesthetized with opioids and general anesthesia

Metoclopramide 10mg

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg) and metoclopramide (10 mg) intraoperatively

Ondasetron 4mg

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intraoperatively.

Dexamethasone, 8 mg intravenously

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive intraoperatively dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intravenously.

Opioid free anesthesia (OFA) based on lidocain, dexmedetomidine and S-ketamine

Premedication: pregabalin 75 mg peroraly et pantoprazole 40mg i.v. A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. After this initial period, anesthetic induction is conducted using propofol at a dose of 1-2 mg/kg IBW and rocuronium at 0.8-1 mg/kg IBW. Anesthesia is sustained with sevoflurane maintained at 0.5-1 MAC, adjusted per BIS readings. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour adjusted according to the patient's blood pressure and pulse. Intraoperative pain management includes metamizole (2.5 g) and acetaminophen (1 g). To prevent nausea and vomiting, patients receive intraoperative dexamethasone 8 mg and thiethylperazine 6.5 mg intravenously.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Dexmedetomidin

Intervention Type: DRUG

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

ketamine

Intervention Type: DRUG

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

Lidocain

Intervention Type: DRUG

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

Opioid free anesthesia, Opioid free anesthesia based on intravenous dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocainedexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic gastrectomy will be anesthetized without the use of opioids and under general anesthesia, with analgesia by intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine.

Thiethylperazine

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg) and thiethylperazine (6.5 mg) intravenously.

Dexamethasone, 8 mg intravenously

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive intraoperatively dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intravenously.

Opioid free anesthesia based on thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB)

Premedication: pantoprazol 40mg i.v. Preoperative TPVB is executed at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally. The skin at each level are infiltrated with 1.5 ml of 1% lidocaine. Subsequently, 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level and flushed with 1 ml of 5% glucose. In the operating room a induction is carried out with propofol administered at a dosage of 2-2.5 mg/kg of ideal body weight (IBW) and rocuronium at 0.8-1 mg/kg of IBW. Anesthesia is maintained with an infusion of propofol at 100 mcg/kg of total body weight (TBW) per minute, with adjustments made to achieve a targeted BIS value between 40-60. Intraoperative pain management includes metamizole (2.5 g) and acetaminophen (1 g). Prophylaxis of PONV is dexamethasone 8 mg previously administered within the thoracic paravertebral block, with intraoperative administration of 10 mg metoclopramide.

Completely opioid-free interventions.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Levobupivacaine

Intervention Type: DRUG

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Dexamethasone contained in the solution for thoracic paravertebral block

Intervention Type: DRUG

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Adrenaline

Intervention Type: DRUG

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Opioid free anesthesia based on thoracic paravertebral block

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be anesthetized without the use of opioids, with general anesthesia and pain blockade using a thoracic paravertebral block

Ultrasound guided thoracic paravertebral block

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Patients are positioned prone, with the identification of the 1st rib achieved using a convex XX Hz ultrasound probe. The left and right transverse processes of the 5th, 7th, and 9th thoracic vertebrae are marked accordingly. TPVB is executed in a paramedian sagittal oblique scan utilizing an in-plane needle insertion approach at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally. An insulated echogenic needle, sized between 10-15 cm and 22-20 G, is employed. The skin and subcutaneous tissue at each level are infiltrated with 1.5 ml of 1% lidocaine.

Ultrasound guidance combined with nerve stimulation (dual monitoring) is utilized at each corresponding paravertebral space. Verification of the paravertebral space is established through visualization of pleural displacement, as observed via the ultrasound probe following the injection of 1 ml of 5% glucose, as well as via a motor response at a current intensity of 0.3-0.5 mA.

Nerve stimulator for peripheral nerve blocks

Intervention Type: DEVICE

During the application of the thoracic paravertebral block, verification of the distance of the insulated echogenic needle tip from the thoracic spinal nerve is monitored using via a motor response at a current intensity of 0.3-0.5 mA.

Metoclopramide 10mg

Intervention Type: DRUG

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg) and metoclopramide (10 mg) intraoperatively

Interventions

Levobupivacaine

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Intervention Type: DRUG

Dexamethasone contained in the solution for thoracic paravertebral block

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Intervention Type: DRUG

Adrenaline

Used in thoracic paravertebral block: 10 ml of 0.33% levobupivacaine, combined with 1.33 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mcg of adrenaline, is injected at each level (six levels, at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally; a total of 200 mg of levobupivacaine, 8 mg of dexamethasone and 240 mcg of adrenaline).

Intervention Type: DRUG

Dexmedetomidin

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

Intervention Type: DRUG

ketamine

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Lidocain

A pre-prepared 50 ml syringe is utilized, containing 400 mcg of dexmedetomidine (4 ml), 50 mg of S-ketamine (2 ml), 400 mg of 2% lidocaine (20 ml), and 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 40 ml. Anesthesia is commenced with the infusion from syringe 1 over a 10-minute period at a rate of 15 ml/hour. The anesthetic mixture was maintained at a rate of 5-10 ml per hour.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Sufentanil

Following three-minute preoxygenation, sufentanil (5 to 15 micrograms), propofol (1 to 2 mg/kg ideal body weight), and rocuronium (0.8 to 1 mg/kg ideal body weight) are administered intravenously during induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia is sustained with sevoflurane maintained at 0.6-1.3 MAC. Sufentanil is added at the assessment of the anesthesiologist in the operating room.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Opioid free anesthesia based on thoracic paravertebral block

Patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be anesthetized without the use of opioids, with general anesthesia and pain blockade using a thoracic paravertebral block

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Opioid based Anesthesia

Patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be anesthetized with opioids and general anesthesia

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Opioid free anesthesia, Opioid free anesthesia based on intravenous dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocainedexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine

Patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic gastrectomy will be anesthetized without the use of opioids and under general anesthesia, with analgesia by intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Ultrasound guided thoracic paravertebral block

Patients are positioned prone, with the identification of the 1st rib achieved using a convex XX Hz ultrasound probe. The left and right transverse processes of the 5th, 7th, and 9th thoracic vertebrae are marked accordingly. TPVB is executed in a paramedian sagittal oblique scan utilizing an in-plane needle insertion approach at the Th5, Th7, and Th9 levels bilaterally. An insulated echogenic needle, sized between 10-15 cm and 22-20 G, is employed. The skin and subcutaneous tissue at each level are infiltrated with 1.5 ml of 1% lidocaine.

Ultrasound guidance combined with nerve stimulation (dual monitoring) is utilized at each corresponding paravertebral space. Verification of the paravertebral space is established through visualization of pleural displacement, as observed via the ultrasound probe following the injection of 1 ml of 5% glucose, as well as via a motor response at a current intensity of 0.3-0.5 mA.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Nerve stimulator for peripheral nerve blocks

During the application of the thoracic paravertebral block, verification of the distance of the insulated echogenic needle tip from the thoracic spinal nerve is monitored using via a motor response at a current intensity of 0.3-0.5 mA.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Metoclopramide 10mg

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg) and metoclopramide (10 mg) intraoperatively

Intervention Type: DRUG

Ondasetron 4mg

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intraoperatively.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Thiethylperazine

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive dexamethasone (8 mg) and thiethylperazine (6.5 mg) intravenously.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Dexamethasone, 8 mg intravenously

To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patients receive intraoperatively dexamethasone (8 mg), ondansetron (4 mg), and metoclopramide (10 mg) intravenously.

Intervention Type: DRUG

Other Intervention Names

OFA based on TPVB; OFA; Ultrasound guided TPVB

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

-. patients with a prior history of treatment by a multidisciplinary obesity team scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)

• body mass index of 30 kg/m² or greater
• patients classified as ASA status 2-3.

Exclusion Criteria

• allergies to the intended medications
• patient refusal
• uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
• intracranial pathology
• cerebrovascular damage
• any factors impairing effective communication

1. For patients receiving thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB):

• the presence of infection at the puncture site

2. For the OFA group:

• 2nd or 3rd-degree atrioventricular block
• bradycardia with a heart rate below 50 beats per minute
• coronary artery disease,
• cardiomyopathy.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 70 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

IVO JURISIC

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

IVO JURISIC

MD

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

IVO JURISIC, MD

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

University Hospital Dubrava

Locations

University Hospital Dubrava

Zagreb, City of Zagreb, Croatia

Countries

Croatia

Central Contacts

IVO JURISIC, MD

Role: CONTACT

i.jurisic.kbd@gmail.com

+385989050015

VESNA JURISIC, MD

Role: CONTACT

v.jurisic03@gmail.com

38598508833

Facility Contacts

IVO JURISIC, MD

Role: primary

i.jurisic.kbd@gmail.com

+385989050015

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Other Identifiers

2023- 2301-08

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id