Ultrasound-guided SPS block versus surgeon intercostal block to prevent chronic pain after thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery
Evaluation of Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) Block Versus Surgical Intercostal Blockade in Preventing Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A Randomized, Prospective, Comparative Study.
This trial will test whether an ultrasound-guided Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) block given before elective VATS reduces chronic post-thoracotomy pain compared with a surgeon-administered intercostal block.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medipol University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Bagcilar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07436806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for elective unilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) at Istanbul Medipol University Hospital will receive either an ultrasound-guided SPS block before surgery or a surgeon-administered intercostal blockade. Primary outcomes include the incidence and severity of chronic post-thoracotomy pain measured at 3, 6, and 12 months, with secondary outcomes of acute pain scores (VAS/NRS) in the first 24 hours, total opioid consumption, and hospital length of stay. The SPS block is performed under ultrasound guidance as a preemptive analgesic, while the comparator is the standard intraoperative intercostal block performed by the surgical team. Safety monitoring includes observation for local anesthetic complications and exclusion of patients with contraindications such as coagulation disorders or local anesthetic allergy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with ASA physical status I–III scheduled for elective unilateral VATS who do not have pre-existing chronic or neuropathic pain, coagulation disorders, prior ipsilateral thoracic surgery, or allergy to local anesthetics.
Not a fit: Patients with prior same-side thoracic surgery, pre-existing chronic/neuropathic pain, psychiatric conditions affecting pain reporting, coagulation disorders, or local anesthetic allergy would be ineligible and are unlikely to benefit from the interventions in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the number of patients who develop long-term chest pain after VATS and lower early opioid requirements and hospital stay.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work on serratus plane and intercostal blocks has shown improved acute postoperative pain control and reduced opioid use, with mixed but promising signals for preventing chronic pain, while the specific SPS block technique remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA physical status I-III. * Scheduled for elective unilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Exclusion Criteria: * History of allergy to local anesthetics. * Pre-existing chronic pain syndrome or neuropathic pain. * Psychiatric disorders affecting pain assessment. * Coagulation disorders. * Previous thoracic surgery on the same side.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Bagcilar
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital — Istanbul, Bagcilar, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bahadir Ciftci, Assoc Prof, MD
- Email: bciftci@medipol.edu.tr
- Phone: +905343736865
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.