This study is comparing two different pain-relief procedures for women undergoing DIEP flap surgery (a type of breast reconstruction after mastectomy). Researchers want to see if Erector Spinae Plane blocks (ESPBs) are as good as or better than Transversus Abdominus Plane blocks (TAPs) at controlling pain. Both procedures involve injecting a local anesthetic like ropivacaine to numb the area. You could be eligible if you are an adult woman (18-70 years old) with breast cancer, generally healthy (ASA 1-3), and are having DIEP flap surgery. The study will measure your pain levels and how much pain medication you need 24 hours after the injection to see which method is more effective. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design

This is an interventional study planning to enroll 102 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an Erector Spinae Plane block or a Transversus Abdominus Plane block.

What's involved

Participants will receive their assigned block either before surgery (ESPBs) or on the morning of surgery (TAPs). Pain levels and pain medication use will be measured 24 hours after the injection.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Participants will be followed for 24 hours after the injection to measure pain and medication use.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.