Long-acting versus standard intercostal nerve block after thoracoscopic lung surgery
Official title: Analgesic Efficacy Between Liposomal Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine Hydrochloride in Intercostal Nerve Block for Thoracic Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China · NCT07134660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether a long-acting liposomal bupivacaine intercostal nerve block reduces postoperative pain more than standard bupivacaine or usual care in adults having thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07134660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 scheduled for elective unilateral thoracoscopic lung surgery with ASA physical status I–III and no contraindications to local anesthetics are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to local anesthetics, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, pregnancy or breastfeeding, preoperative opioid use or chronic pain, or inability to attend follow-up are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, multicenter trial enrolls 210 adults undergoing elective unilateral thoracoscopic (VATS) lung surgery and randomizes them 1:1:1 to an ultrasound-guided intercostal block with liposomal bupivacaine (20 mL, 266 mg), bupivacaine hydrochloride (20 mL, 0.25%), or control with standard IV PCA only. The primary outcome is the area under the curve of pain scores from 25 to 72 hours after surgery, and secondary outcomes include opioid consumption, QoR-15 recovery quality scores, and complications up to 72 hours. Investigators hypothesize the extended-release liposomal formulation will provide longer-lasting analgesia through 72 hours compared with standard bupivacaine or no block. Follow-up consists of serial pain scores, opioid use monitoring, and adverse event assessment during the immediate postoperative period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide longer-lasting pain relief after thoracoscopic lung surgery, reduce opioid use, and improve early recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Liposomal bupivacaine has produced extended analgesia in some surgical settings, but results are mixed and high-quality evidence specifically for intercostal blocks after thoracic surgery is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for elective unilateral thoracoscopic (VATS) lung surgery * Age 18 to 80 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to local anesthetics (infection at puncture site, allergy to local anesthetics, coagulopathy or other bleeding risk) * Sensory abnormalities in the planned chest-wall surgical area * Hepatic dysfunction (ALT \> 50 U/L, AST \> 40 U/L, or total bilirubin ≥ 19 μmol/L) or renal dysfunction (serum creatinine \> 112 μmol/L, BUN \> 7.1 mmol/L, or dialysis within 28 days before surgery) * Pregnancy, breastfeeding, women of childbearing potential not using adequate contraception, or planning pregnancy during the study period * Preoperative opioid use, history of chronic pain, or history of opioid abuse * Refusal to provide informed consent
Where it's running
-
Shanghai pulmonary hospital
Shanghai, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shiyou Wei, PhD
- Email: lovewishyou@163.com
- Phone: 8615601680288
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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.