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NCT Number: NCT07677540

Continuous Erector Spinae Block Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for the Prevention of Chronic Pain Following Thoracotomy: a Retrospective Study

Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a prevalent complication that significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with reported incidence ranging from 25% to 90%. This study evaluated the effectiveness of continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block compared to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), the current gold standard, in preventing PTPS. Our goal was to compare the incidence of PTPS between patients who received ESP block and those who underwent TEA. Additional goals included assessing postoperative pain levels, analgesic consumption, and complications related to the anesthesia techniques.

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Key information

Conditions

Thoracic Surgery

Age range

18 year–99 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages 18-65 years 2. Presenting for elective thoracic surgery under general anesthesia. 3. Undergoing either ESP or TEA prior to surgery.

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Exclusion criteria

Patients were excluded if they met any of the following criteria:

  • Any CNS and/or psychiatric disease. 2. Patients who are unable to complete the pain survey for any reason. 3. Patients who had baseline chronic pain around the surgical incision.

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Treatment and study plan

ESP block

Procedure

Performance of ESP block for pain relief after thoracic surgery

Thoracic Epidural

Procedure

Performance of thoracic epidural for pain relief after thoracic surgery

Primary outcomes

  1. Incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome

    Time frame: 3 months post operatively

    Incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome 3 months post operatively

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Meir Medical Center

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 30, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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