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NCT Number: NCT07387484

Effect of Patient Position on Erector Spinae Plane Block in Thoracic Surgery

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a widely used regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. The block can be performed in different patient positions, most commonly sitting or lateral decubitus, but the effect of patient position on dermatomal sensory spread and analgesic efficacy has not been clearly established.

This prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of ESP block performed in sitting versus lateral decubitus position on dermatomal sensory distribution and postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Thoracic Surgery, Video Assisted Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Postoperative Pain Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Adult patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracic surgery will be randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided unilateral erector spinae plane block either in the sitting position or in the lateral decubitus position. In both groups, the block will be performed at the same thoracic level using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance.

Dermatomal sensory spread will be assessed 15 minutes after block placement using cold sensation (alcohol-soaked cotton) and pin-prick testing. Postoperative analgesia will be standardized in all patients using patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol. Pain scores and opioid consumption will be recorded during the first 24 postoperative hours.

The primary outcome is the extent of dermatomal sensory spread. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, time to first rescue analgesic, and total opioid consumption within 24 hours.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 to 75 years
  • ASA physical status II-IV
  • Scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracic surgery
  • Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Known allergy to local anesthetics
  • Chronic opioid use
  • Preexisting chronic pain
  • Severe cognitive impairment
  • Technical difficulty with positioning
  • Emergency surgery
  • Refusal to participate

Treatment and study plan

Erector Spinae (ESP) Block with Bupivacaine (Marcaine®) sitting position

Drug

Erector spinae plane block-sitting position

Erector Spinae (ESP) Block with Bupivacaine (Marcaine®) lateral position

Drug

Erector Spinae Plane Block-Lateral position

Primary outcomes

  1. Dermatomal sensory spread

    Time frame: 15 minutes after the block application

    Cranial and caudal sensory limits and total number of dermatomes affected, assessed by cold sensation and pin-prick testing.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Postoperative pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale)

    Time frame: Postoperative 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours

    Numeric Rating Scale, 0-10 points, 0=no pain, 10= worst pain imaginable

  2. Total opioid consumption

    Time frame: First 24 postoperative hours

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Patient Position on Dermatomal Spread and Analgesic Outcomes of Erector Spinae Plane Block in Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 4, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 6, 2026

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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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