Comparing ESPB and SPSIPB nerve blocks for pain after VATS

Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia Management in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Bursa City Hospital · NCT07232940

This trial will test whether the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) or the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) gives better pain relief and satisfaction for adults having VATS.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBursa City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Bursa, Nilüfer)
Trial IDNCT07232940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) causes significant postoperative pain despite small incisions, and effective regional analgesia is important to reduce acute and chronic pain. Current PROSPECT guidance supports ESPB or paravertebral block for VATS, while the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a recently described technique that may cover C3–T10 dermatomes. This study will compare postoperative analgesic efficacy and patient satisfaction between ESPB and SPSIPB in adult elective VATS patients treated at Bursa City Hospital. Typical inclusion criteria are adults 18–65 years with ASA I–III, with exclusions for coagulopathy, local anesthetic allergy, chronic opioid use, uncontrolled major comorbidities, infection at the injection site, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with ASA physical status I–III scheduled for elective VATS who do not have contraindications to regional nerve blocks are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, local infection at the injection site, known local anesthetic allergy, current chronic opioid therapy, uncontrolled systemic disease, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one block provides better and longer pain relief with fewer opioid needs, patients could experience less acute pain, lower opioid use, and potentially lower risk of chronic postoperative pain after VATS.

How similar studies have performed: ESPB and paravertebral blocks have prior supportive data for VATS analgesia, whereas SPSIPB is a newly described technique with limited comparative evidence to date.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18-65 years with ASA physical status I-III who will undergo elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who do not consent to participate in the study

Patients with coagulopathy

Patients with a history of local anesthetic allergy or toxicity

Patients with hepatic or renal failure

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension

Mentally disabled patients

Patients receiving chronic pain treatment (opioid users)

Patients using antidepressant medication

Patients with neuropathic pain

Mentally disabled patients

Presence of infection at the injection site

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with suspected pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Bursa, Nilüfer

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Video-assisted Thoracoscopic SurgerySerratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane BlockSerratus posterior superior intercostal plane blockerector spinae plane blockpain managementVideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.