Esketamine versus fentanyl as adjuncts to hepatic hilar nerve block for ambulatory percutaneous liver tumor ablation focusing on respiratory safety: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Frontiers in Pharmacology – September 17, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Esketamine may offer a safer alternative to fentanyl for pain management during liver ablation, particularly regarding respiratory risks. In a randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients, those receiving esketamine experienced significantly lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the fentanyl group, with only 10% affected versus 30%. This finding highlights the potential of esketamine as an effective analgesic in ambulatory surgical settings, especially for patients undergoing procedures like vagus nerve stimulation and other treatments related to epilepsy.
Abstract
This trial aims to provide Level I evidence comparing the respiratory depression risk between esketamine-based and fentanyl-based analgesia during HHNB-guided liver ablation. Should esketamine prove to be demonstrably superior in terms of respiratory safety, HHNB-esketamine has the potential to be a viable treatment option.