Erector spinae block for pain management in thoracic surgery

Erector Spinae Blocks for Thoracic Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional George Washington University · NCT05521789

This study is testing if a special pain relief technique using erector spinae blocks can help patients having lung surgery feel less pain and need fewer pain medications after their operation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorge Washington University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05521789 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of erector spinae blocks (ESB) with bolus infusions of local anesthetic in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing pulmonary resection surgery. The hypothesis is that these blocks will lead to lower pain scores and decreased reliance on narcotics, which is particularly beneficial for patients requiring anticoagulation who cannot receive more invasive nerve blocks. The study will assess pain levels and opioid use in patients post-surgery to determine the efficacy of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 90 who are scheduled for pulmonary resection surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as pleurodesis, decortication, or those requiring emergent surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and opioid use in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on erector spinae blocks for other surgical procedures, this specific application in postoperative pulmonary resection surgery is novel and has not been definitively evaluated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* pulmonary resection
* 18\<age\<90

Exclusion Criteria:

* pleurodesis
* decortication
* emergent surgery
* local anesthetic allergy
* intraoperative complication (inadvertent hemorrhage or conversion to open surgery)
* bilateral pulmonary resection

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia

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 Pulmonary NeoplasmPulmonary CancerThoracic DiseasesThoracic CancerThoracic Neoplasms
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.