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NCT Number: NCT07436806

SPS Block vs. Surgical Intercostal Block for Chronic Pain After Thoracoscopic Surgery

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) block compared to surgeon-administered intercostal blockade in preventing chronic pain at 3, 6, and 12 months following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Post-thoracotomy Pain Nervous System Diseases Neuralgia Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Neuropathic Pain Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Postoperative Complications Postoperative Pain, Acute Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Istanbul, Bagcilar, 34070, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Bahadir Ciftci, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905325034428

About this study

Although VATS is a minimally invasive technique, chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) remains a significant complication due to intercostal nerve injury. This study investigates whether the preemptive analgesic effect of the SPS block, performed under ultrasound guidance before surgery, reduces the incidence and severity of chronic pain more effectively than standard surgical intercostal blocks. Secondary objectives include assessing acute pain scores (VAS/NRS) within the first 24 hours, total opioid consumption, and duration of hospital stay.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • ASA physical status I-III.
  • Scheduled for elective unilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).

Exclusion criteria

  • History of allergy to local anesthetics.
  • Pre-existing chronic pain syndrome or neuropathic pain.
  • Psychiatric disorders affecting pain assessment.
  • Coagulation disorders.
  • Previous thoracic surgery on the same side.

Treatment and study plan

SPS block

Drug

30 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine will be injected into the plane between the Serratus Posterior Superior muscle and the intercostal muscles at the scapular level.

Surgical Intercostal Blockade.

Drug

At the end of the operation, the surgeon will perform an injection of a total of 30 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine into three intercostal nerves above and below the incision site under direct thoracoscopic visualization.

Primary outcomes

  1. Incidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain (CPTP)

    Time frame: Incidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain (CPTP) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.

    The primary aim is to compare incidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain with McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Opioid consumption (Fentanyl PCA)

    Time frame: Changes from baseline opioid consumption at postoperative 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours.

    The primary aim is to compare postoperative opioid consumption from the PCA device.

  2. Pain scores (Numerical rating scale-NRS)

    Time frame: Changes from baseline pain scores at postoperative 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours

    The secondary aim is to compare NRS at the postoperative 24 h. Postoperative pain assessment will be performed using the NRS (0 = no pain, 10 = the most severe pain felt). The NRS scores will be recorded

  3. Need for rescue analgesia (meperidine)

    Time frame: Postoperative 24 hours period

    The secondary aim is to compare rescue analgesia used in the postoperative 24 h.

  4. Adverse events

    Time frame: Postoperative 24 hours period

    The secondary aim is to compare the adverse events (nausea, vomiting, itching) related to opioid use

  5. Incidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain (CPTP)

    Time frame: Incidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain (CPTP) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.

    The secondary aim is to compare ncidence and severity of Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain with Neuropathic pain characteristics using LANSS (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ayse Cicek

CONTACT

Bahadir Ciftci, Assoc Prof, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905343736865

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medipol University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Serratus Posterior Superior (SPS) Block Versus Surgical Intercostal Blockade in Preventing Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A Randomized, Prospective, Comparative Study.

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 10, 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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