Comparison of IV Analgesia Protocols After the Regional Block's Effect Diminishes in Thoracic Surgery

Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three different intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) regimens-Fentanyl, Tramadol, and Ibuprofen-in managing postoperative pain and respiratory performance in patients undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). While regional blocks like Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block provide effective early analgesia, their effect typically diminishes after 8-12 hours, leading to potential 'rebound pain.' This study specifically investigates the period following the duration of the regional block's action. The primary goal is to evaluate which IV PCA protocol better controls pain (Visual Analog Scale scores) and supports better respiratory performance (measured by incentive spirometry) during the first 72 hours post-surgery

Thoracic surgery is associated with one of the highest incidences of both acute and chronic postoperative pain. Clinical evidence indicates that poorly controlled acute pain in the immediate postoperative period is a primary risk factor for the development of chronic neuropathic pain (post-thoracotomy pain syndrome). Furthermore, severe acute pain triggers a guarding reflex, leading to shallow breathing, impaired coughing, and ultimately compression atelectasis. In alignment with the 2026 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines, this study emphasizes a multimodal, opioid-sparing approach to optimize patient recovery. While regional techniques like the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block offer effective early analgesia, their effectiveness is typically limited to 8-12 hours. This study evaluates the effectiveness of three different IV Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) regimens initiated specifically to bridge the analgesic gap after the regional block's effect diminishes. Interventions: All patients receive a standardized ultrasound-guided ESP block (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine) at the end of surgery. PCA regimens (Fentanyl, Tramadol, or Ibuprofen) are initiated at the 6th postoperative hour (or earlier on patient demand). Postoperative static and dynamic pain scores (VAS), rescue analgesic requirements and respiratory performance (incentive spirometry volumes) are monitored for 72 hours. The study hypothesizes that the Ibuprofen-based PCA will maintain comparable analgesia to opioid-based regimens while significantly improving respiratory performance by avoiding opioid-induced respiratory depression. Study Design and Blinding: This is a prospective, randomized, single-center trial. Patients are assigned to one of three intervention arms using a centralized randomization system with the sealed envelope method (1:1:1 ratio). The study follows a double-blind (participant and outcomes assessor) protocol. While the primary investigator manages the PCA devices, the patients and the researchers recording the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and incentive spirometry volumes are blinded to the group assignments.