Rhomboid Intercostal Block vs Erector Spinae Block

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques-Rhomboid Intercostal Block (RIB) and Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB)-in female lung cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. Thoracotomy is known for causing severe postoperative pain, which, if not effectively managed, can lead to chronic pain and impaired pulmonary function. Traditional techniques like thoracic epidural or paravertebral blocks, while effective, have limitations due to technical complexity and potential complications. Recently, interfascial plane blocks such as ESPB have shown promise for thoracic analgesia, and RIB has emerged as a technique potentially offering superior lateral thoracic wall coverage.

Sixty patients will be randomly assigned to receive either RIB or ESPB 30-45 minutes before surgery. The primary outcome is 24-hour postoperative morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes include visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, hemodynamic stability, time to first analgesic request, recovery duration, patient satisfaction, and incidence of nausea and vomiting.

General anesthesia will be standardized across both groups. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and ethical approval will be obtained prior to patient enrollment. This study supports multimodal analgesia and aims to inform clinical practice in pain management after oncologic thoracic surgery.

Inclusion criteria

• patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer

Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years

ASA physical status II or III

Body Mass Index (BMI) > 20 kg/m² and < 35 kg/m²

Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Patient refusal

ASA physical status IV

Age < 18 years or > 65 years

BMI < 20 kg/m² or > 35 kg/m²

Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics or opioids used in the study

History of chronic pain or psychological disorders

Contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., local infection, coagulopathy, pre-existing peripheral neuropathy)

Severe respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease

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