Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Pain management technique for robotic thymectomy

Official title: Use of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Robotic-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Thymectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06545409 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new pain management technique to see if it can help people having robotic thymectomy surgery feel less pain and recover better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment28 (estimated)
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rome)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2025
Main results expectedMarch 15, 2026
Study endsSeptember 15, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT06545409 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with thymoma, thymic hyperplasia, or other thymic pathologies who can provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with myasthenia gravis, severe obesity, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block (SPSIP Block) in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing robotic thymectomy. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the SPSIP Block with bupivacaine or a placebo saline solution before surgery. The study aims to reduce opioid consumption, minimize respiratory complications, and improve patient satisfaction, measured by the QoR-15 index. Data will be collected postoperatively to assess pain levels and overall recovery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing robotic thymectomy.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise with similar locoregional anesthesia techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients affected by thymoma, thymic hyperplasia, or thymic pathologies (cysts, teratomas) who have given informed consent to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who refuse to participate in the study by not signing the informed consent;
* Patients with myasthenia gravis, severe obesity (BMI \> 35), history of OSAS with or without CPAP;
* Patients belonging to ASA classes \> 3, according to the system developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists;
* Patients unable to understand the functioning of the NPR Scale or the PCA device that will be used for postoperative analgesia;
* Patients with allergies to analgesic and/or anesthetic drugs;
* Patients on anticoagulant therapy;
* Patients with a history of chronic pain;
* Patients with an infection at the site where SPSIPB will be performed;
* Patients who have had previous thoracic surgery and/or thoracic trauma with rib fractures on the side of the surgery;
* Patients with chest deformities and/or neuromuscular diseases that interfere with normal ventilatory function.

Additionally, patients whose surgery is intraoperatively converted to sternotomy thymectomy will be excluded post-hoc from the study.

Where it's running

  • Fondazione Policlinico A.Gemelli IRCCs
    Rome, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.