This study aims to study the analgesic and respiratory effects of the erector spinae plane block for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robotic assisted thoracic surgery (RATS).
A total of 120 subjects will be randomized into three groups (30 per group). Arm A: IV PCIA Arm B: IV PCIA + ultrasound guided Erector spinae block (ESPB, Single shot of 30ml of 0.5% solution of Naropin \[Ropivacaine\]) Arm C: IV PCIA + multilevel intra-thoracic intercostal nerve block (ICB, Single shot of 30ml of 0.5% solution of Naropin \[Ropivacaine\]) PCIA pumps for all study cohorts will be programmed according to our institution's standard protocol (Dipidolor \[Piritramide\] bolus: 2mg, interval: 7 min, max 4h dose: 30mg). The erector spinae block will be placed preoperatively, the intercostal block will be placed at the beginning of the procedure. All patients will receive standard postoperative care. The patients will be blinded for the study arm. The primary endpoint of this study is postoperative pain and will be recorded by using the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score. Pain scores will be measured by the investigator at rest and during coughing. Opioid consumption will be monitored and registered for.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
120
Single shot erector spinae block
Efficacy of ESP block in decreasing postoperative pain intensity
Pain levels will be assessed using the 10 points Visual analogue Scale (VAS) where zero= no pain and 10= pain as bad as it can be. The vaS is a validated tool to measure pain and discomfort. It is sensitive to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, that have an impact over the experience of pain, as well as it's high correlation with pain levels
Time frame: 48 hours
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