Intrathecal morphine for recovery and pain after VATS
The Effects of Intrathecal Morphine in Addition to Serratus Anterior Plane Block and Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Recovery (QoR-15) and Systemic Inflammation in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether adding a single spinal (intrathecal) dose of morphine to a serratus anterior plane block and dexmedetomidine reduces pain and improves recovery in adults having elective VATS.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ataturk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Erzurum and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07231926 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind trial compares adding 200 µg intrathecal morphine to a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) plus dexmedetomidine infusion versus SAPB plus dexmedetomidine alone for postoperative analgesia after elective VATS. Eligible adults (18–70 years, ASA I–III, BMI <35 kg/m²) are randomized using a computer-generated sequence and both patients and outcome assessors are blinded. The primary outcome is pain scores (VAS) during the first 24 hours; secondary outcomes include opioid consumption, quality of recovery measures, and incidence of side effects such as nausea, pruritus, and respiratory depression. All participants receive standard postoperative analgesics and patient-controlled analgesia according to the protocol.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 scheduled for elective VATS with ASA physical status I–III and BMI under 35 kg/m² who have no contraindications to neuraxial blockade or significant organ failure are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with opioid dependence or tolerance, chronic pain syndromes, coagulopathy, contraindications to neuraxial blockade, severe renal or hepatic failure, or allergy to local anesthetics are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding intrathecal morphine could reduce early postoperative pain, lower opioid use, and speed recovery after VATS.
How similar studies have performed: Intrathecal morphine has reduced postoperative pain and opioid needs in other surgical populations, though it carries risks like pruritus and rare respiratory depression, and the combination with SAPB plus dexmedetomidine is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) planned * Age 18-70 years * ASA physical status I-III * Body mass index (BMI) \<35 kg/m² Exclusion Criteria: * Coagulopathy * Opioid dependence or intolerance * Allergy to local anesthetics * Contraindications to neuraxial blockade * Chronic pain history * Renal or hepatic failure
Where this trial is running
Erzurum and 1 other locations
- Ataturk University — Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Ataturk University — Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: İrem Ateş — Ataturk University
- Study coordinator: İrem Ateş Associate Professor (Doçent Doktor)
- Email: driremates@hotmail.com
- Phone: +90 532 740 12 58
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.