Postoperative Analgesia With a Catheter Under the Erector Spinae Muscle for Videothoracoscopic Lung Surgery

Postoperative Analgesia With a Catheter Under the Erector Spinae Muscle for Videothoracoscopic Lung Surgery

The purpose of the research is to prove the analgesic efficacy of a novel technique in regional anaesthesia, i.e. the catheter under the erector spinae muscle (ESC). Investigators will evaluate the use of the ESC for analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgeries in comparison to the standard method of post-operative analgesia, which is the multiple level intercostal block given at the end of surgery by the surgeon. Investigators will compare the amount of opioid analgesics required by the patient using the patient controlled pump, the pain status in 48-hours after surgery and compare the differences between pre- and post-operative main inspiratory pressure and main expiratory pressure measurements between the two research groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed written informed consent
• ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists status) I-III
• Elective video-assisted thoracic surgery - lobectomy with 3 ports technique
• No contraindications for regional anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to local anesthetic
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding
• BMI>35
• Inflammation in the area of ES catheter insertion
• Inability to use the PCA pump
• Inability to execute the main inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements