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NCT Number: NCT07739277

Transverse vs. Longitudinal Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Breast Surgery

The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled trial is to compare the analgesic efficacy of transverse versus longitudinal ultrasound probe orientations during Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block in patients undergoing breast surgery. The study hypothesizes that the longitudinal approach (probe parallel to the ribs) may provide better craniocaudal spread of the local anesthetic, thereby resulting in lower postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and reduced opioid consumption compared to the standard transverse approach.

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Key information

Conditions

Fascial Plane Block Acute Pain Breast Surgery Mastectomy Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Ankara, Yenimahalle\Ankara, 06170, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients aged between 18 and 75 years
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III
  • BMI between 18 - 30 kg/m2
  • Patients scheduled for elective breast surgery
  • Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Known allergy to local anesthetics
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Severe coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants
  • Chronic opioid use or history of neuropathic pain

Treatment and study plan

Transverse SAP Block

Procedure

Transverse serratus anterior plane block will be performed on the patients using 20 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance.

Longitudinal SAP Block

Procedure

Longitudinal serratus anterior plane block will be performed on the patients using 20 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain Intensity

    Time frame: 4 hour after surgery

    Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale from 0 mm (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain) at rest. Pain assessment will be made at 4 hour after surgery.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

    Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale from 0 mm (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain) at rest and when coughing. Pain assessment will be made at 1, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.

  2. Postoperative Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

    Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale from 0 mm (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain) while coughing. Pain assessment will be made at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.

  3. Total Postoperative Opioid Consumption

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

    The total amount of opioid consumed by the patient will be recorded.

  4. Area Under Curve for Pain

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours

    Cumulative 24-hour pain burden calculated by the trapezoidal rule

  5. Assessment of Sensory Blockade Extent

    Time frame: Evaluated at 20 minutes following block administration.

    Sensory extent will be assessed using pinprick testing with a 20-gauge hypodermic needle.

Study contacts

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

Musa Ass. Prof Zengin

CONTACT

[email protected]

05071302750

İbrahim MD Topcu

CONTACT

[email protected]

05437860316

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Transverse Versus Longitudinal Ultrasound Probe Orientation for Serratus Anterior Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Breast Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jul 31, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 31, 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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