Comparing two ultrasound-guided chest nerve blocks for pain control after VATS

Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Control Following Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgeries (VATS): Randomized Control Trial

NA · Ain Shams University · NCT07360028

This test compares an erector spinae plane block and a serratus anterior plane block to see which gives better pain relief for adults having video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University (other)
Locations1 site (Cairo, Abbassia-Egypt)
Trial IDNCT07360028 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults aged 25–70 undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries are randomized to receive either an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block or an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane (SAP) block with bupivacaine in addition to standard general anesthesia. Baseline clinical evaluation and routine labs are performed preoperatively and blocks are delivered in the perioperative setting under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative pain is measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and typical intra- and postoperative metrics such as opioid consumption and hemodynamics are recorded. The trial is conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo with follow-up during the immediate postoperative period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 25–70 years old with ASA physical status I–III who are scheduled for VATS procedures and have no contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients outside the 25–70 age range or with allergy to local anesthetics, bleeding/coagulation disorders, infection at the injection site, significant hepatic/renal impairment, or cortisol-related diseases are not eligible and would not benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one block provides better pain control, patients could experience less postoperative pain and reduced opioid needs after VATS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown both ESP and SAP blocks can reduce pain after thoracic procedures, but direct randomized comparisons between the two are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology physical status ASA I, II and III.
* Patients aged between 25 and 70 years.
* patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATS), including pleurectomy, bullectomy, sympathectomy, esophagectomy, decortication, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients below age of 25 or above age of 70.
* Patient refusal.
* Allergy to local anesthetic drugs.
* Bleeding or coagulation disorder.
* Psychiatric disorders.
* Infection at the needle entry site.
* Renal impairment (creatinine \>1.5 ).
* Hepatic impairment (Child B or C).
* Patients with known Cortisol related diseases such as Cushing's Syndrome or Addison's Disease.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Abbassia-Egypt

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Operative Pain Control, post operative pain control

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.