RISS Block for Enhanced Recovery After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

NCT07462273 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2024-scientific-research-124
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane (RISS) block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Postoperative pain after VATS can impair respiratory function, delay mobilization, and increase opioid consumption. Although several regional anesthesia techniques are available, the optimal analgesic strategy remains under investigation. The RISS block is a novel fascial plane block that may provide effective thoracic analgesia while minimizing opioid-related adverse effects. A total of 90 adult patients scheduled for elective VATS will be randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided RISS block combined with general anesthesia or general anesthesia alone. The primary outcomes include postoperative 24-hour benefit of analgesia score (BCS) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pressing frequency. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events. This study aims to determine whether RISS block improves postoperative recovery and reduces opioid requirements after VATS.

Conditions

Postoperative Pain; Thoracic Surgery; Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• 24-hour cumulative number of effective PCA presses

  Within 24 hours postoperatively

• Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS) score at 24 hours

  24 hours after surgery

Study Arms (3)

RISS Block Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Procedure: Rhomboid Intercostal and Subserratus Plane Block with local anesthetic

ICNB Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Procedure: Intercostal nerve block

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Interventions

Rhomboid Intercostal and Subserratus Plane Block with local anesthetic PROCEDURE

Ultrasound-guided dual-plane RISS block performed after induction of general anesthesia. A total of 40 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine (150 mg) was administered across the rhomboid-intercostal plane and low subserratus plane.

RISS Block Group

Intercostal nerve block PROCEDURE

Ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block performed at surgical port levels (T4-T7) using 0.375% ropivacaine with total dose ≤75 mg.

ICNB Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• ASA physical status I-II
• Scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
• Provided written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of shock or coma
• Coagulopathy
• Local infection at the puncture site
• Pre-existing nerve injury on the side intended for block
• Chronic analgesic use
• Psychiatric disorders
• Prior thoracic or breast surgery
• Allergy to local or general anaesthetic agents
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m²
• Inability to operate a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ningbo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University

Ningbo, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain, Postoperative

Interventions

Anesthetics, Local

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Anesthetics; Central Nervous System Depressants; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Pharmacologic Actions; Chemical Actions and Uses; Sensory System Agents; Peripheral Nervous System Agents; Central Nervous System Agents; Therapeutic Uses

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 5, 2026
• First Posted: March 10, 2026
• Study Start: September 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2025
• Study Completion: October 1, 2025
• Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)