Comparing two ultrasound-guided chest nerve blocks for pain control after VATS
Official title: 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
Run by Ain Shams University · NCT07360028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Abbassia-Egypt) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07360028 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown both ESP and SAP blocks can reduce pain after thoracic procedures, but direct randomized comparisons between the two are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Ain-Shams University Hospitals
Cairo, Abbassia-Egypt, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: EMAN ZAGHLOUL MADY, MSc
- Email: Emanzaghloul@med.asu.edu.eg
- Phone: 00201013177848
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
M-TAPA vs ESPB for lung function after gallbladder removal
This trial tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, M-TAPA and ESPB, better preserve postoperative lung function and reduce pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
-
NAVA use in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome
This trial tests whether neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) helps preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome breathe more easily than conventional ventilation.
-
Ruta C and Vitamin C in Sepsis: Adding antioxidants to standard care
This trial tests whether adding Ruta C (rutin plus vitamin C) or vitamin C alone to standard sepsis treatment helps adults in the ICU stay shorter and recover better.
-
Left DLPFC rTMS vs iTBS for emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and NSSI in Borderline Personality Disorder
This trial tests whether high-frequency rTMS or intermittent theta-burst stimulation over the left DLPFC can help reduce emotional instability, impulsivity, and non-suicidal self-injury in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder.
-
Trimetazidine as an extra therapy for aluminum phosphide poisoning
In this pilot trial, adults with acute aluminum phosphide poisoning receive standard care plus trimetazidine to see if it helps save lives and improve recovery.
-
Comparing 3D Face Scans with Manual Measurements for Vertical Dimension in People with Complete Dentures
This study tests whether a 3D face scan can reliably measure the vertical dimension of occlusion in people who wear complete dentures, compared with traditional manual methods.
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.