Postoperative PainNCT07467291
SPSIP Block vs SAP Block for Post-VATS Pain
An observational study of Postoperative Pain and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Comparison of Superior Serratus Posterior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study Introduction Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with lower postoperative pain, shorter… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group and Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 Mar 2026to 1 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adult patients undergoing elective uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at Firat University Hospital who received either a serratus anterior plane block or a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block for postoperative analgesia as part of routine care.
Who may be able to join
- aged 18-65 years,
- with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III,
- Body Mass Index (BMI) < 35 kg/m²,
- and who read and signed the informed consent form were included.
Who cannot join
- inability to communicate in Turkish, refusal to consent,
- inability to use the numerical pain rating scale (NRS),
- allergy to local anesthetics or study-specific analgesics;
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- uncontrolled anxiety or substance dependence;
- history of thoracic surgery,
Show all 17Show fewer
- trauma,
- neuromuscular or peripheral nerve disorders;
- diabetes mellitus,
- hepatic or renal insufficiency,
- coagulation disorders;
- chronic opioid or steroid use;
- widespread pain;
- anticoagulant therapy;
- infection at the block application site;
- early termination of surgery;
- absence of planned postoperative extubation.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Fırat University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
Elâzığ, 23100
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Comparison of Superior Serratus Posterior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Introduction Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with lower postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and better preservation of pulmonary function compared with conventional thoracotomy, owing to its minimally invasive nature. Although VATS was initially performed using a multi-port technique, it has evolved into a single-port approach, reflecting advances in surgical techniques and equipment. In Uniportal VATS, limiting surgical trauma to a single intercostal space may reduce the risk of chronic postoperative pain by decreasing intercostal nerve damage.
Read more
Because inadequate pain control after VATS may predispose patients to developing chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS), effective postoperative analgesia is critically important. Therefore, regional analgesic techniques are recommended as part of multimodal analgesia. PROSPECT guidelines do not recommend the routine use of thoracic epidural analgesia for VATS, despite its effectiveness, because of its invasiveness; instead, they emphasize peripheral blocks such as paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block.
Although not included among first-line analgesic interventions in PROSPECT guidelines, the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a widely used and well-established technique in thoracic surgery. In addition, the superior serratus posterior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is gaining attention in VATS surgery because of its analgesic effect covering the C3-T10 dermatomes.
Although there are studies in the literature comparing SAPB with different regional techniques, direct comparisons with SPSIPB are limited. Therefore, this prospective observational cohort study aimed to compare postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing uniportal VATS who received either ultrasound-guided SPSIPB or SAPB, with the block type selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care.
Read the detailed description
This single-center prospective observational cohort study included adult patients undergoing elective uniportal VATS who received an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) or serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) for postoperative analgesia. Patients were not randomized; the block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care. All blocks were performed with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery. Postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic use were recorded in routine observation forms by recovery unit and ward nurses who were not informed of the block type. Postoperative analgesia followed a standard multimodal protocol, with 50 mg intravenous tramadol given as rescue analgesia when the resting NRS score was 4 or higher.
- Being tested
- Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group, Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block
- Keywords
- VATS, Serrratus Posterior Superior İnterfascial Plane Block, Serratus Anterior Plane Block, Postoperative Analgesia, Numeric Rating Scale
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) groupProcedure or surgery
The block was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Ultrasound-guided SAPB was performed by the same anesthesiologist with over three years of experience in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, using a high-frequency linear probe (LOGIQ e Ultrasound, GE HealthCare, United States). The probe was positioned parallel to the mid-axillary line, and the ribs were readily identified as hyperechogenic lines. The fifth rib was identified in the mid-axillary line. Using an in-plane technique, the needle was placed in the myofascial plane between the serratus anterior muscle and the fifth rib, and 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected.
Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane blockProcedure or surgery
The procedure was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. After a slight lateral displacement of the scapula, the scapular spine was visualized with ultrasound, and the probe was moved medially. After locating the tip of the scapular spine, the probe was placed sagittally at the superior angle of the scapula, and the third rib was visualized. The block needle was advanced craniocaudally and placed between the posterior superior serratus muscle and the third rib. Hydrodissection was performed with an injection of 2 mL of saline to confirm block needle placement. After confirming the block site, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block Group | Patients who received an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) at the end of uniportal VATS for postoperative analgesia. The block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care; patients were not randomized. Receives: Procedure: Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block | |
| Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group | Patients who received an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) at the end of uniportal VATS for postoperative analgesia. The block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care; patients were not randomized. Receives: Procedure: Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided SPSIP block versus SAP block after VATS using postoperative NRS pain scores.
The NRS score is based on the patient rating their pain on a scale from 0 to 10. Zero indicates no pain, while 10 indicates the most severe pain possible.
Measured: NRS scores will be assessed upon admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (0 min), at 30 minutes, and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively.
Secondary outcomes (4)
QoR-15 recovery score
The QoR-15 (Quality of Recovery-15) scale is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire used to evaluate the quality of postoperative recovery. The QoR-15 consists of 15 items assessing five domains: pain, physical comfort, physical independence, psychological support, and emotional state. The total score ranges from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating a better quality of recovery.
Measured: up to 48 hours
Time to first rescue analgesia
The time to first rescue analgesia, defined as the time interval between recovery from anesthesia and the first administration of rescue analgesia (50 mg intravenous tramadol for NRS ≥4), was recorded and expressed in hours.
Measured: up to 24 hours
The total amount of rescue analgesic consumption
The total amount of rescue analgesic consumption within the first 24 postoperative hours (mg) was also documented.
Measured: up to 24 hours
The incidence of block-related complications.
block-related complications such as hematoma, paralysis, hypotension or other adverse events were recorded.
Measured: up to 48 hours
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Mar 2026
- Study start13 Mar 2026
- Primary completion1 Aug 2026
- Study completion1 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Firat University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, AHMET AKSU, Firat University
- Investigators
- Ahmet Aksu, MD, Principal investigator, Firat University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07467291
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 43757
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07467291
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 43757
- Keywords
- VATS, Serrratus Posterior Superior İnterfascial Plane Block, Serratus Anterior Plane Block, Postoperative Analgesia, Numeric Rating Scale
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Firat UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Comparison of Superior Serratus Posterior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Introduction Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with lower postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and better preservation of pulmonary function compared with conventional thoracotomy, owing to its minimally invasive nature. Although VATS was initially performed using a multi-port technique, it has evolved into a single-port approach, reflecting advances in surgical techniques and equipment. In Uniportal VATS, limiting surgical trauma to a single intercostal space may reduce the risk of chronic postoperative pain by decreasing intercostal nerve damage.
Because inadequate pain control after VATS may predispose patients to developing chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS), effective postoperative analgesia is critically important. Therefore, regional analgesic techniques are recommended as part of multimodal analgesia. PROSPECT guidelines do not recommend the routine use of thoracic epidural analgesia for VATS, despite its effectiveness, because of its invasiveness; instead, they emphasize peripheral blocks such as paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block.
Although not included among first-line analgesic interventions in PROSPECT guidelines, the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a widely used and well-established technique in thoracic surgery. In addition, the superior serratus posterior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is gaining attention in VATS surgery because of its analgesic effect covering the C3-T10 dermatomes.
Although there are studies in the literature comparing SAPB with different regional techniques, direct comparisons with SPSIPB are limited. Therefore, this prospective observational cohort study aimed to compare postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing uniportal VATS who received either ultrasound-guided SPSIPB or SAPB, with the block type selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care.
Detailed description
This single-center prospective observational cohort study included adult patients undergoing elective uniportal VATS who received an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) or serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) for postoperative analgesia. Patients were not randomized; the block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care. All blocks were performed with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery. Postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic use were recorded in routine observation forms by recovery unit and ward nurses who were not informed of the block type. Postoperative analgesia followed a standard multimodal protocol, with 50 mg intravenous tramadol given as rescue analgesia when the resting NRS score was 4 or higher.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block Group | – | Procedure: Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane blockPatients who received an ultrasound-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) at the end of uniportal VATS for postoperative analgesia. The block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care; patients were not randomized. |
| Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group | – | Procedure: Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) groupPatients who received an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) at the end of uniportal VATS for postoperative analgesia. The block type was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical care; patients were not randomized. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adult patients undergoing elective uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at Firat University Hospital who received either a serratus anterior plane block or a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block for postoperative analgesia as part of routine care.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- aged 18-65 years,
- with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III,
- Body Mass Index (BMI) < 35 kg/m²,
- and who read and signed the informed consent form were included.
Key exclusion criteria (17 listed)
- inability to communicate in Turkish, refusal to consent,
- inability to use the numerical pain rating scale (NRS),
- allergy to local anesthetics or study-specific analgesics;
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- uncontrolled anxiety or substance dependence;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) groupThe block was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Ultrasound-guided SAPB was performed by the same anesthesiologist with over three years of experience in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, using a high-frequency linear probe (LOGIQ e Ultrasound, GE HealthCare, United States). The probe was positioned parallel to the mid-axillary line, and the ribs were readily identified as hyperechogenic lines. The fifth rib was identified in the mid-axillary line. Using an in-plane technique, the needle was placed in the myofascial plane between the serratus anterior muscle and the fifth rib, and 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected. | Procedure or surgery | Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) group |
| Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane blockThe procedure was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. After a slight lateral displacement of the scapula, the scapular spine was visualized with ultrasound, and the probe was moved medially. After locating the tip of the scapular spine, the probe was placed sagittally at the superior angle of the scapula, and the third rib was visualized. The block needle was advanced craniocaudally and placed between the posterior superior serratus muscle and the third rib. Hydrodissection was performed with an injection of 2 mL of saline to confirm block needle placement. After confirming the block site, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected. | Procedure or surgery | Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block Group |
Primary outcome
To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided SPSIP block versus SAP block after VATS using postoperative NRS pain scores.
Time frame: NRS scores will be assessed upon admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (0 min), at 30 minutes, and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively.
The NRS score is based on the patient rating their pain on a scale from 0 to 10. Zero indicates no pain, while 10 indicates the most severe pain possible.
4 secondary outcomes
QoR-15 recovery score
Time frame: up to 48 hours
Time to first rescue analgesia
Time frame: up to 24 hours
The total amount of rescue analgesic consumption
Time frame: up to 24 hours
The incidence of block-related complications.
Time frame: up to 48 hours
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ahmet Aksu, MD principal investigator
Firat University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Postoperative Pain and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 17 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided SPSIP block versus SAP block after VATS using postoperative NRS pain scores. (time frame: NRS scores will be assessed upon admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (0 min), at 30 minutes, and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Oct 2026.