Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Combination Versus Alone Liposomal Bupivacaine Blocks in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery-1

United States300 participantsStarted 2026-06

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess how the location of local anesthetic medication affects pain control capabilities in adult patients undergoing thoracic(chest)-only minimally invasive surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is pain decreased when local analgesia is provided as a combination of serratus anterior plane block and intercostal nerve block when compared to either block administered individually? * How does location of local analgesia administration impact length-of-stay, cost-of-care, and quality-of-life? Researchers will compare three treatment options including long-acting local anesthetic (Exparel®) administered as (1) intercostal nerve block, (2) serratus anterior plane block, or (3) combination of intercostal nerve block and serratus anterior plane block to see if pain and opioid use are reduced dependent upon treatment group. All participants will receive a local anesthetic nerve block. Participants will be asked to describe their pain after surgery and to answer various questionnaires before and after surgery.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Plan to undergo planned (elective) minimally invasive isolated R-VATS procedure, to include pulmonary anatomic resections (anatomic lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection if performed robotically) * Age ≥ 18 years old * Ability to understand and capacity/willingness to sign a written informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years old * Unwilling to sign informed consent form, mentally challenged/delayed, or lacking capacity/unable to consent to participation in the trial own their own behalf * Vulnerable populations * Incarcerated individuals * Pregnant individuals * Breastfeeding individuals * Individuals with potentially altered pharmacokinetics and metabolism of study drugs * Renal failure: creatinine ≥ 2, or glomerular filtration rate \< 45 mL/min * Hepatic failure: serum ammonia \> 33 mcg/dL and/or Child-Pugh \> A * Individuals suffering from chronic pain * Individuals taking pre-operative narcotics * Patients undergoing emergent surgery or urgent surgery for acute, traumatic injuries * Patients undergoing extra-pleural resections, chest wall resection, pleurectomies, pleurodesis, and decortications * Planned concurrent abdominal procedure: for example, but not limited to, an esophagectomy * Patients requiring subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block * Use of a rib spreader during thoracic procedure * Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) post-operatively while sedated and intubated * Patients with major …

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

NRS AUC 72

Timeframe: Post-operative day 0 to post-operative day 3 (if still present in the hospital)

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Post-operative day 0 to post-operative day 3 (if still present in the hospital)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07254650

SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-01

Contact for this trial

Inderpal S Sarkaria, MD, MBA

214-645-7700 Inderpal.Sarkaria@utsouthwestern.edu

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