Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Adding a serratus anterior plane block to a rhomboid intercostal block for pain control after VATS

Official title: Assessing the Impact of Additional Serratus Anterior Block Within 24-Hour on Postoperative Pain After Rhomboid Intercostal Block in VATS Patients

Run by Al-Quds University · NCT06838039 · Data updated 2026-11-12

We will try adding a serratus anterior plane block to the usual rhomboid intercostal block for adults having VATS to see if it reduces postoperative pain and opioid use within 48 hours.

More Post Operative Pain trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorAl-Quds University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hebron)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2025
Main results expectedJune 1, 2026
Study endsDecember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedAugust 28, 2025
Trial IDNCT06838039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–70 undergoing VATS who are ASA physical status I–III and able to provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with chronic opioid dependence, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use, anatomical barriers to regional blocks, pregnancy, or inability to consent are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 50 adults (ages 18–70, ASA I–III) undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and randomize them to receive either a rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) alone or RIB plus a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB). The blocks are ultrasound-guided and performed perioperatively at a single center (Al Ahli Hospital, Hebron). Pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction will be recorded over the first 48 hours after surgery. The trial aims to determine whether the combined RIB+SAPB approach provides superior pain control and lower opioid use compared with RIB alone.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined RIB+SAPB approach could lower postoperative pain scores and reduce opioid requirements after VATS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that both RIB and SAPB can reduce pain and opioid use after thoracic procedures, but combining the two techniques is less well studied.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 18-70 years.
2. Patients undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).
3. Classified as ASA physical status I-III (low to moderate surgical risk).
4. Ability to provide informed consent and follow study protocols.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics.
2. Presence of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use.
3. History of chronic opioid use or opioid dependence.
4. Anatomical abnormalities or conditions preventing the application of regional anesthesia (e.g., chest wall deformities).
5. Presence of neurological disorders affecting pain perception.
6. Cognitive impairments, language barriers, or inability to communicate effectively.
7. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
8. Refusal or inability to provide informed consent.

Where it's running

  • Al Ahli hospital
    Hebron, Palestinian Territories
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.