Effect of ultrasound-guided anterior sacral plexus block on catheter-related bladder discomfort after transurethral prostate surgery: protocol for a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a tertiary hospital in China
Simeng Liu, Dawei Xie, Xiaofeng Duan, Yang Liu, Jia Jiang, Jianwen Wang, Anshi WuIntroduction
Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is a common and distressing complication after transurethral prostate surgery (TUPS). Many patients experience moderate to severe symptoms, which may delay recovery and reduce patient satisfaction. Currently, there are no standardised expert consensus statements or international guidelines for CRBD management. The ultrasound-guided anterior approach of sacral plexus block (anterior SPB) is a novel regional anaesthesia technique that may reduce CRBD through effects on multiple neural pathways. This trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique in patients undergoing TUPS.
Methods and analysis
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enrol 90 male patients aged 50–80 years who are scheduled for elective TUPS under general anaesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either bilateral anterior SPB with 0.25% ropivacaine (20 mL per side) or saline placebo after anaesthesia induction. The primary outcome is the incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD within 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include the overall incidence and severity of CRBD, postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesia requirement, opioid consumption, emergence agitation, time to ambulation, quality of recovery, patient satisfaction and length of hospital stay. Safety outcomes include block-related, surgery-related and systemic adverse events. Data will be analysed using both modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches.
Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University on 25 April 2025 (2025-Ke-405-1). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at academic conferences.
Trial registration number
ChiCTR2500102595.