SPSIP block versus paravertebral block for post-thoracotomy pain

Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block Versus Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Thoracotomy

Not applicable Interventional Bursa City Hospital · NCT07275047

This trial will test whether the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block or the paravertebral block provides better pain relief for people having a thoracotomy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBursa City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Bursa)
Trial IDNCT07275047 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial assigns adults undergoing thoracotomy to receive either an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block or a thoracic paravertebral block and then compares postoperative pain, opioid use, and side effects. The SPSIP block deposits local anesthetic between the serratus posterior superior and intercostal muscles and is a newer, more superficial technique. Paravertebral block is an established method but can be associated with hemodynamic changes and deeper-needle risks. The study aims to determine whether SPSIP gives comparable or better analgesia with fewer complications after thoracotomy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults scheduled for thoracotomy with ASA physical status I–III who can understand the procedures and give written informed consent are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, local infection, allergy to local anesthetics, prior thoracic surgery, severe cardiac/hepatic/renal disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the SPSIP block could provide effective post-thoracotomy pain control with fewer hemodynamic or deep-needle complications than the paravertebral block.

How similar studies have performed: Paravertebral block is well established for thoracic surgery, while early reports of SPSIP show promising broad analgesia but it has not been specifically studied after thoracotomy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled to undergo thoracotomy
* ASA physical status I-III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification
* Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Declines or is unable to provide informed consent
* Allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or opioids
* Known or suspected coagulopathy
* Infection at the injection site
* History of thoracic surgery
* Severe cardiovascular disease
* Hepatic or renal failure
* Pregnant, suspected pregnancy, or breastfeeding

Significant neurological or psychiatric disorder that may interfere with study participatio

Where this trial is running

Bursa

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 Post-thoracotomy PainPost-thoracotomy painSerratus posterior superior intercostal plane blockParavertebral BlockPain management
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.