Study of Postoperative ICC Analgesia

Efficacy of Surgically Placed Intercostal Catheter (ICC) for Postoperative Analgesia After Minimally Invasive Anatomical Lung Resection Using Ropivacaine: A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebocontrolled, Superiority Study

This study is to examine the analgesic effectiveness of continuous loco-regional analgesic application (ropivacaine) through surgically placed Intercostal Catheter (ICC) and to establish correctly this method as a possible standard of care in the postoperative analgesia after Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomical lung resection.

Good control of the pain without excessive use of opiates supports the benefits of minimally invasive surgical procedure.

This study is to examine the efficacy of continuously via surgically placed intercostal catheter administered ropivacaine at a flow rate of 6-8 ml/h of 2 mg/ml on post-operative pain (NRS) and pulmonary function (FEV1, PEF) during a maximum of 72 ± 2 hours after skin closure. Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical resection of the lung under general anaesthesia with confirmed or anticipated Stage I Lung cancer will be included. The study will be conducted as superiority, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized. The efficacy of loco-regional administered ropivacaine will be compared to placebo (NaCl, 0.9%) administration. The whole study period per participant is expected to be 6 months. In the follow-up, 6 months after surgery, the impact of ropivacaine on long-term pain (NRS, McGill) and pulmonary function (FEV1, PEF) shall be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed Consent as documented by signature
• Patient undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical resection of the lung under general anaesthesia for confirmed or anticipated Stage I lung cancer (UICC 8th edition)
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classes I to III

Exclusion Criteria:

• NRS while coughing > 0
• Previous ipsilateral thoracotomy or sternotomy
• Abdominal or contralateral thoracic surgery up to 6 months preoperatively
• Contraindications to the class of drugs under study, e.g. known hypersensitivity or allergy to class of drugs or the investigational product
• Contraindications to self-administration of opioids
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
• Chronic steroid therapy (e.g. Prednisone > 10mg/day for more than last 2 weeks before surgery)
• Chronic, daily pain therapy
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver insufficiency
• Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant,
• Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study,
• Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent person