ESP vs SPSIP Block in VATS Analgesia

Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia Management in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small thoracic incisions, but postoperative pain remains significant due to tissue and rib trauma. Poorly controlled pain may lead to chronic postoperative pain; therefore, optimal analgesia is essential.

According to PROSPECT guidelines, erector spinae plane block (ESPB) or paravertebral block (PVB) are recommended for VATS. The recently defined serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) provides analgesia between C3-T10 levels, but its efficacy compared with ESPB has not been studied.

This study aims to compare postoperative analgesic efficacy and patient satisfaction between ESPB and SPSIPB in VATS patients.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small thoracic incisions, but postoperative pain remains significant due to tissue and rib trauma. Poorly controlled pain may lead to chronic postoperative pain; therefore, optimal analgesia is essential.

According to PROSPECT guidelines, erector spinae plane block (ESPB) or paravertebral block (PVB) are recommended for VATS. The recently defined serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) provides analgesia between C3-T10 levels, but its efficacy compared with ESPB has not been studied.

This study aims to compare postoperative analgesic efficacy and patient satisfaction between ESPB and SPSIPB in VATS patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18-65 years with ASA physical status I-III who will undergo elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who do not consent to participate in the study

Patients with coagulopathy

Patients with a history of local anesthetic allergy or toxicity

Patients with hepatic or renal failure

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension

Mentally disabled patients

Patients receiving chronic pain treatment (opioid users)

Patients using antidepressant medication

Patients with neuropathic pain

Mentally disabled patients

Presence of infection at the injection site

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with suspected pregnancy