Comparing three ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to reduce pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery
Official title: The Effect of Paravertebral Block, Intertransverse Block, and Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain Scores in Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery: a Prospective Observational Study
Run by Antalya Training and Research Hospital · NCT07578545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try three ultrasound-guided regional blocks — paravertebral, intertransverse process, and erector spinae plane — to see which best lowers opioid use and pain after elective VATS in adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Antalya Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Antalya, Muratpaşa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 4, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 4, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 4, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07578545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 scheduled for elective VATS with ASA I–III and BMI under 35 who can receive ultrasound-guided regional blocks and are not chronic opioid users are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to regional blocks, chronic opioid use, severe liver or kidney failure, ASA ≥4, BMI ≥35, or those who remain intubated in the ICU postoperatively are unlikely to receive benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will compare three ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia techniques — paravertebral block, intertransverse process block, and erector spinae plane block — in adults undergoing elective video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. The observational study will record postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores, along with recovery metrics related to mobilisation and pulmonary complications. Eligible patients are adults aged 18–75 with ASA I–III and BMI under 35, excluding chronic opioid users and those with contraindications to block application. Outcomes will be compared across the three groups to identify which technique provides better analgesia and lower opioid requirements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a regional block that reduces opioid use and pain after VATS, improving recovery and lowering the risk of pulmonary complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown paravertebral and erector spinae plane blocks can reduce opioid consumption and pain after thoracic surgery, while the intertransverse process block is newer with more limited comparative evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18-75 years * American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score I-III * body mass index (BMI) \<35kg/m2 * scheduled for elective VATS Exclusion Criteria: * ASA score ≥4 * BMI ≥35 kg/m2 * declining to give written informed consent * controendications for block application * inability to undergo block application * history neurological disease or peripheral nerve disease * history of chronic opioid use * history of severe liver or kidney failure * patients admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively intubated
Where it's running
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University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Muratpaşa, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sadik Ozmen — University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sadik Ozmen
- Email: sadikozmen@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905324205282
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.