Postoperative PainNCT07729488
ESPB Versus SPSIPB for Quality of Recovery After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
A study testing ESPB and SPSIPB in people with Postoperative Pain, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 85 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain
- What is being tested?
- ESPB and SPSIPB
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 128 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 16 Sep 2026to 30 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 85 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Show all 12Show fewer
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Fatma Acil
Diyarbakır, Outside of the US, 21070
Fatma Acil, M.D., +905337225225, acilfatma@gmail.com
- Recruiting
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital
Diyarbakır, Turkey, 21070
Fatma Acil, M.D., +905337225225, acilfatma@gmail.com
Andaç Dedeoğlu, M.D., +905326848626, anderen77@hotmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Quality of Recovery After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the preferred surgical approach for many thoracic procedures because of its minimally invasive nature. Nevertheless, patients frequently experience moderate to severe postoperative pain, which may impair respiratory function, delay mobilization, prolong hospitalization, and negatively affect overall recovery. Effective multimodal analgesia is therefore essential for optimizing postoperative outcomes.
Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) are interfascial plane blocks that have demonstrated promising analgesic efficacy in thoracic surgery. Although both techniques are increasingly used in clinical practice, evidence directly comparing their effects on postoperative quality of recovery following VATS is limited.
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will enroll 128 adult patients (18-70 years, ASA physical status I-III) undergoing elective VATS. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ultrasound-guided ESPB or ultrasound-guided SPSIPB before surgery.
The primary outcome is the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores at rest and during coughing, cumulative 24-hour tramadol consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, sedation level, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications, perioperative hemodynamic variables, and additional analgesic requirements.
The results of this study are expected to provide high-quality evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of ESPB and SPSIPB in improving postoperative recovery and analgesic outcomes after VATS and may contribute to optimizing regional analgesia strategies for thoracic surgery.
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain
- Being tested
- ESPB, SPSIPB
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ESPBProcedure or surgery
Also called Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block
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.
SPSIPBProcedure or surgery
Also called Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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). Receives: 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). Receives: Procedure: SPSIPB |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 24 hours after surgery
Secondary outcomes (9)
Postoperative Pain at Rest
Postoperative pain intensity at rest will be assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.
Postoperative Pain Intensity During Coughing
Postoperative pain intensity during coughing will be assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.
Time to First Rescue Analgesia
The time from arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to the first administration of rescue analgesia will be recorded in minutes.
Measured: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Cumulative Postoperative Tramadol Consumption
The total amount of tramadol administered for postoperative rescue analgesia during the first 24 hours after surgery will be recorded in milligrams (mg).
Measured: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Requirement for Rescue Analgesia
The proportion of participants requiring at least one dose of rescue analgesia during the first 24 hours after surgery will be recorded.
Measured: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Impact Score
Postoperative nausea and vomiting will be assessed using the Simplified Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Impact Scale. The scale combines the number of vomiting episodes and the perceived impact of nausea on recovery, with a total score ranging from 0 to 6. Higher scores indicate a greater impact of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and a score of 5 or greater indicates clinically important PONV.
Measured: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Patient Satisfaction With Postoperative Analgesia
Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management will be assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = dissatisfied, 3 = neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 4 = satisfied, and 5 = very satisfied. Higher scores indicate greater patient satisfaction.
Measured: 24 hours after surgery
Postoperative Length of Hospital Stay
Postoperative length of hospital stay will be recorded as the number of days from surgery until hospital discharge.
Measured: From surgery until hospital discharge (up to 30 days)
Incidence of Block-Related Complications
The incidence of block-related complications, including local anesthetic systemic toxicity, pneumothorax, hematoma, infection, vascular puncture, and other procedure-related adverse events, will be recorded.
Measured: From block performance until hospital discharge (up to 30 days)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Jul 2026
- Study start16 Sep 2026
- Primary completion29 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 128 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatma Acil,MD, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital
- Investigators
- Fatma Acil, M.D., Principal investigator, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07729488
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 07/20/2026-415
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Quality of Recovery After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07729488
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 07/20/2026-415
- Conditions
- Postoperative Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 128 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Jul 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.
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.
Detailed description
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the preferred surgical approach for many thoracic procedures because of its minimally invasive nature. Nevertheless, patients frequently experience moderate to severe postoperative pain, which may impair respiratory function, delay mobilization, prolong hospitalization, and negatively affect overall recovery. Effective multimodal analgesia is therefore essential for optimizing postoperative outcomes.
Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) are interfascial plane blocks that have demonstrated promising analgesic efficacy in thoracic surgery. Although both techniques are increasingly used in clinical practice, evidence directly comparing their effects on postoperative quality of recovery following VATS is limited.
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will enroll 128 adult patients (18-70 years, ASA physical status I-III) undergoing elective VATS. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ultrasound-guided ESPB or ultrasound-guided SPSIPB before surgery.
The primary outcome is the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores at rest and during coughing, cumulative 24-hour tramadol consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, sedation level, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, block-related complications, perioperative hemodynamic variables, and additional analgesic requirements.
The results of this study are expected to provide high-quality evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of ESPB and SPSIPB in improving postoperative recovery and analgesic outcomes after VATS and may contribute to optimizing regional analgesia strategies for thoracic surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) | Experimental | Procedure: ESPBAn 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). |
| Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block | Experimental | Procedure: SPSIPBAn 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). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ESPBAlso: Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane BlockAn 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. | Procedure or surgery | Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) |
| SPSIPBAlso: Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane BlockAn 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. | Procedure or surgery | Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block |
Primary outcome
Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) Score
Time frame: 24 hours after surgery
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.
9 secondary outcomes
Postoperative Pain at Rest
Time frame: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.
Postoperative Pain Intensity During Coughing
Time frame: 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.
Time to First Rescue Analgesia
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Cumulative Postoperative Tramadol Consumption
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Requirement for Rescue Analgesia
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Impact Score
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after surgery
Patient Satisfaction With Postoperative Analgesia
Time frame: 24 hours after surgery
Postoperative Length of Hospital Stay
Time frame: From surgery until hospital discharge (up to 30 days)
Incidence of Block-Related Complications
Time frame: From block performance until hospital discharge (up to 30 days)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
Fatma Acil, M.D. principal investigator
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing ESPB and SPSIPB in people with Postoperative Pain, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital at 2 sites 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 5 inclusion and 12 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Fatma Acil, M.D. (+905337225225, acilfatma@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) Score (time frame: 24 hours after surgery). 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 21 Sep 2026.