Background: Adequate pain control after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) remains a major clinical challenge. Traditional techniques such as thoracic epidural analgesia are effective but limited by potential complications. Interfascial plane blocks have recently gained interest as safer alternatives. The serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a novel regional anesthesia technique with potential benefits in thoracic surgery.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided SPSIPB compared with subcutaneous morphine administration in patients undergoing VATS.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients scheduled for elective VATS were randomized into two groups: SPSIPB group (n=30) and control group receiving subcutaneous morphine (n=30). The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, number of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) demands, rescue analgesia requirements, and incidence of adverse effects.