Comparison of the Rhomboid Intercostal Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block (NCT07650877) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Comparison of the Rhomboid Intercostal Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2026-06-15
Plain-language summary
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is widely performed for the management of various thoracic pathologies and is generally associated with reduced surgical trauma compared with open thoracotomy. Nevertheless, patients may still experience considerable postoperative pain, which can adversely affect respiratory function, mobilization, and recovery. Various regional analgesic techniques have been incorporated into multimodal pain management strategies for VATS, including thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), intercostal nerve block, serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), rhomboid intercostal block (RIB), and serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB). Among these approaches, ultrasound-guided TPVB has traditionally been regarded as a reference regional analgesic technique. More recently, interfascial plane blocks have gained increasing attention because of their technical simplicity and favorable safety profile. RIB and SPSIPB are two novel interfascial plane blocks that may provide effective postoperative analgesia following thoracic surgery. The present study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of RIB and SPSIPB in patients undergoing VATS and to evaluate their impact on postoperative pain outcomes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 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:
* Patients undergoing elective VATS
* Patients aged 18-75 years
* Patients with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I-III
* Patients who have given informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients allergic to local anesthetics
* Patients with bleeding disorders or those undergoing anticoagulant therapy
* Pregnant and breastfeeding women
* Patients with impaired consciousness, inability to communicate, or mental/cognitive impairment
* Patients who refuse block application
* Patients with infection in the area where the block will be applied
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.
1This trial is comparing two different nerve block techniques for pain control after video-assisted thoracic surgery — can you explain how the rhomboid intercostal block and the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block differ, and which one you currently use or prefer for my type of procedure?
2Since this is a Phase NA study focused on comparing pain scores between two existing regional anesthesia techniques, does that mean both blocks are already considered safe and used in practice, and what does participating in this trial mean for how my pain management would actually be decided?
3If I don't join this trial, what would my standard pain control plan look like after video-assisted thoracic surgery, and how does it compare to what's being offered here?
4Pain after thoracic surgery can be significant — how will my pain scores be tracked during the trial, and what happens if whichever block I receive isn't controlling my pain well enough?
5Are there any logistical demands of participating in this trial, such as extra assessments or follow-up visits, that I should factor into my recovery plan?
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.