SPSIP versus SAP block for pain after VATS
Comparison of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
This trial tests whether the SPSIP block or the serratus anterior plane (SAP) block gives better pain relief for adults after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Firat University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Elâzığ) |
| Trial ID | NCT07467291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized prospective trial compares ultrasound-guided Superior Serratus Posterior Intercostal Plane (SPSIP) block with ultrasound-guided Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block for postoperative pain control following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Adult patients (18–65 years, ASA I–III, BMI <35) undergoing VATS at Fırat University are randomized to receive one of the two regional blocks. Pain is measured using postoperative numeric rating scale (NRS) scores and opioid consumption, and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria are applied to reduce confounding. Interventions are performed under ultrasound guidance and the study focuses on acute postoperative pain outcomes and the potential to lower chronic post-thoracotomy pain risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with ASA physical status I–III, BMI under 35 who can use the NRS and are scheduled for VATS at the study center are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, coagulation disorders, chronic opioid or steroid use, significant hepatic or renal insufficiency, prior thoracic surgery, or who cannot use the NRS or communicate in Turkish are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one block could provide better immediate pain relief, reduce opioid requirements, and lower the chance of developing chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
How similar studies have performed: Serratus anterior plane blocks have shown benefit for thoracic surgery pain in prior studies, while the SPSIP technique is relatively new with limited published evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18-65 years, * with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III, * Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 35 kg/m², * and who read and signed the informed consent form were included. Exclusion Criteria: * inability to communicate in Turkish, refusal to consent, * inability to use the numerical pain rating scale (NRS), * allergy to local anesthetics or study-specific analgesics; * pregnancy or breastfeeding; * uncontrolled anxiety or substance dependence; * history of thoracic surgery, * trauma, * neuromuscular or peripheral nerve disorders; * diabetes mellitus, * hepatic or renal insufficiency, * coagulation disorders; * chronic opioid or steroid use; * widespread pain; * anticoagulant therapy; * infection at the block application site; * early termination of surgery; * absence of planned postoperative extubation.
Where this trial is running
Elâzığ
- Fırat University Faculty of Medicine Hospital — Elâzığ, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ahmet Aksu
- Email: aaksu@firat.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 530 349 38 96
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.