Comparing two pain management techniques for patients undergoing VATS

A Comparative Study of Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT06996691

This study is testing which of two pain management techniques works better for people having video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to help them recover with less pain and fewer opioids.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06996691 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block compared to the Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block for pain management in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The goal is to improve postoperative pain control and reduce opioid usage, which can lead to complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis. By utilizing regional anesthesia techniques, the study aims to enhance recovery and functional outcomes for patients. The study will include patients with a BMI between 18 and 40 kg/m2 and will exclude those with contraindications to regional anesthesia or pre-existing chronic pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with a BMI between 18 and 40 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, chronic pain, or a history of opiate abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing VATS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with regional anesthesia techniques for pain management in thoracic surgeries, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* body mass index (BMI)=18 to 40 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to regional anesthesia as bleeding disorders , allergy to local anesthetic or infection at block site
* pre-existing chronic pain
* history of opiate abuse
* sepsis

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 Thoracic SurgeryVATSErector spinae plane blockSerratus anterior plane block
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.