Comparing two pain relief techniques for thoracotomy patients

Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid Intercostal Sub Serratus Plane Block Versus Serratus Anterior Plane Block With General Anesthesia in Thoracotomy

Not applicable Interventional Fayoum University Hospital · NCT06856538

This study is testing which of two pain relief techniques works better for patients recovering from open chest surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorFayoum University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (El Fayoum Qesm, Faiyum Governorate)
Trial IDNCT06856538 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques, the Rhomboid intercostal sub-serratus plane block (RISS) and the Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), in providing pain relief for patients undergoing open thoracotomy. The research focuses on the postoperative pain management, which is crucial for recovery and respiratory function after surgery. By targeting thoracic nerves, both techniques seek to improve analgesia and reduce complications associated with thoracotomy. The study will evaluate the analgesic effects of these blocks to determine which method offers better pain control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-70 scheduled for unilateral thoracotomy with ASA physical status I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, emergency surgeries, or psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for thoracotomy patients, enhancing recovery and reducing postoperative complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar regional anesthesia techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18-70 years.
* Patients scheduled for unilateral Thoracotomy.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
* Patients who are candidates for general anesthesia.
* No history of severe allergies to local anesthetics or other medications used during the procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA PS class ≥ IV patients.
* obese (BMI ≥ 35) patients.
* Patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular.
* patients with neurological deficits, cardiopulmonary, hepatorenal , or metabolic diseases; anticoagulants; any drug allergies.
* Patients with emergency surgeries or re-do surgeries.
* Systemic infections or infections at the site of injection.
* Psychiatric illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar, uncontrolled anxiety or depression).
* Narcotic dependency.

Where this trial is running

El Fayoum Qesm, Faiyum Governorate

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 ThoracicPainRhomboid intercostal blockserratus anterior plane blockThoracotomy
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.