ESPB Versus SPSIPB for Quality of Recovery After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

NCT07729488 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 07/20/2026-415
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 128
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain despite its minimally invasive nature. Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) are promising regional analgesic techniques for thoracic surgery; however, evidence directly comparing their effects on postoperative quality of recovery remains limited. This prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial aims to compare the effects of ESPB and SPSIPB on postoperative quality of recovery, measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, tramadol consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications, and perioperative hemodynamic parameters.

Conditions

Postoperative Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) Score

  Postoperative quality of recovery will be assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating better recovery. The preoperative QoR-15 score will be recorded as a baseline measurement and considered in the analysis of the postoperative 24-hour score.

  24 hours after surgery

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Postoperative Pain at Rest

  30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.

• Postoperative Pain Intensity During Coughing

  30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.

• Time to First Rescue Analgesia

  During the first 24 hours after surgery

• Cumulative Postoperative Tramadol Consumption

  During the first 24 hours after surgery

• Requirement for Rescue Analgesia

  During the first 24 hours after surgery

Study Arms (2)

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB)

EXPERIMENTAL

An ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) will be performed before induction of general anesthesia using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Procedure: ESPB

Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block

EXPERIMENTAL

An ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) will be performed before induction of general anesthesia using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Procedure: SPSIPB

Interventions

ESPB PROCEDURE

An ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block will be performed preoperatively for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The block will be performed using the standardized study protocol.

Also known as: Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB)

SPSIPB PROCEDURE

An ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block will be performed preoperatively for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The block will be performed using the standardized study protocol.

Also known as: Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block

Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 85 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-85 years.
• ASA physical status I-III.
• Scheduled for elective VATS under general anesthesia.
• Able to understand and complete the QoR-15 questionnaire.
• Written informed consent provided.

You may not qualify if:

• Refusal to participate or inability to provide written informed consent.
• Known allergy or contraindication to bupivacaine, paracetamol, dexketoprofen, or tramadol.
• Infection at the planned block injection site.
• Coagulopathy or ongoing anticoagulant therapy precluding regional anesthesia.
• Severe hepatic or renal insufficiency.
• Chronic opioid use or chronic pain requiring regular analgesic treatment.
• Previous thoracic surgery on the operative side.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Cognitive impairment, psychiatric illness, or language barrier preventing completion of the QoR-15 questionnaire.
• Body mass index (BMI) \>35 kg/m².
• Conversion from VATS to thoracotomy.
• Failed or incomplete regional block.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital: lead

Study Sites (2)

Fatma Acil

Diyarbakır, Outside of the US, 21070, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital

Diyarbakır, Turkey, 21070, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain, Postoperative

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Officials

• Fatma Acil, M.D.

  Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Fatma Acil, M.D.

CONTACT

+905337225225; acilfatma@gmail.com

Andaç Dedeoğlu, M.D.

CONTACT

+905326848626; anderen77@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants and postoperative outcome assessors will be blinded to treatment allocation. Ultrasound-guided blocks will be performed by an experienced anesthesiologist who will not participate in postoperative assessments.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) or ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB). Outcomes will be compared between the two parallel groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 22, 2026
• First Posted: July 27, 2026
• Study Start: September 16, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 29, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2026
• Last Updated: September 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Locations

TU (2)