NCT07436806

SPS Block vs. Surgical Intercostal Block for Chronic Pain After Thoracoscopic 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.

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Medipol University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) block compared to surgeon-administered intercostal blockade in preventing chronic pain at 3, 6, and 12 months following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).

Detailed description

Although VATS is a minimally invasive technique, chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) remains a significant complication due to intercostal nerve injury. This study investigates whether the preemptive analgesic effect of the SPS block, performed under ultrasound guidance before surgery, reduces the incidence and severity of chronic pain more effectively than standard surgical intercostal blocks. Secondary objectives include assessing acute pain scores (VAS/NRS) within the first 24 hours, total opioid consumption, and duration of hospital stay.

Conditions

• Chronic Post-thoracotomy Pain
• Neuropathic Pain
• Postoperative Pain, Acute

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	SPS block	30 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine will be injected into the plane between the Serratus Posterior Superior muscle and the intercostal muscles at the scapular level.
DRUG	Surgical Intercostal Blockade.	At the end of the operation, the surgeon will perform an injection of a total of 30 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine into three intercostal nerves above and below the incision site under direct thoracoscopic visualization.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-11-20
• Completion: 2026-12-10
• First posted: 2026-02-27
• Last updated: 2026-03-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)