NCT07387484

Effect of Patient Position on Erector Spinae Plane Block in Thoracic Surgery

Effect of Patient Position on Dermatomal Spread and Analgesic Outcomes of Erector Spinae Plane Block in Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a widely used regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. The block can be performed in different patient positions, most commonly sitting or lateral decubitus, but the effect of patient position on dermatomal sensory spread and analgesic efficacy has not been clearly established. This prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of ESP block performed in sitting versus lateral decubitus position on dermatomal sensory distribution and postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Detailed description

Adult patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracic surgery will be randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided unilateral erector spinae plane block either in the sitting position or in the lateral decubitus position. In both groups, the block will be performed at the same thoracic level using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance. Dermatomal sensory spread will be assessed 15 minutes after block placement using cold sensation (alcohol-soaked cotton) and pin-prick testing. Postoperative analgesia will be standardized in all patients using patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol. Pain scores and opioid consumption will be recorded during the first 24 postoperative hours. The primary outcome is the extent of dermatomal sensory spread. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, time to first rescue analgesic, and total opioid consumption within 24 hours.

Conditions

• Thoracic Surgery, Video Assisted
• Postoperative Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Erector Spinae (ESP) Block with Bupivacaine (Marcaine®) sitting position	Erector spinae plane block-sitting position
DRUG	Erector Spinae (ESP) Block with Bupivacaine (Marcaine®) lateral position	Erector Spinae Plane Block-Lateral position

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2026-04-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2026-02-04
• Last updated: 2026-02-06