Comparison of Loco-regional Analgesic Techniques in Patients Undergoing Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

This study aims to compare two loco-regional analgesic techniques: 1. Intercostal nerve block: Performed by the surgeon intraoperatively before final lung re-expansion, involving the administration of 20 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine using a 27G needle into the subpleural space of the thoracotomy access site and adjacent intercostal spaces. 2. Ultrasound-guided ESPB: Performed by an anesthesiologist under surgical asepsis with the patient in a seated position. After identifying the target transverse process, a linear ultrasound probe is placed sagittally approximately 2 cm from the midline. The needle (22G, 50 mm) is inserted in-plane in a cranio-caudal direction until contacting the transverse process. After confirming proper injection by observing anesthetic spread between the erector spinae muscle and transverse process, a total of 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine is administered. This protocol is intended for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pneumonectomies, lobectomies, wedge resections, and bullectomies. Primary Endpoint:QoR Score at 24 hours (validated questionnaires. Secondary Endpoints: Intraoperative NOL, QoR at 48-72 hours, opioid consumption at 12-24-48 hours, NLR at 24 hours, CPSP incidence at 3 months.

NCT Number	NCT07102173
Lead Sponsor	ASST Sette Laghi
Conditions	Loco-regional Anesthesia
Enrollment	72 participants
Start Date	2025-08-01
Primary Completion	2026-04 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-04 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-08-03