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Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid-Intercostal Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for VATS Analgesia
Sponsor: Georgios Kotsovolis
Summary
Purpose of the study The goal of this research is to see which of two nerve-numbing techniques-the Rhomboid-Intercostal Block (RIB) or the Thoracic Paravertebral Block (PVB)-works better to control pain after chest surgery (specifically, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS). Both techniques use numbing medication to block pain signals after the operation. Who can participate? The researchers are looking for adults between 18 and 85 years old who are scheduled for a specific type of chest surgery (a 3-port VATS procedure). How will the research happen? Participants will be put into two equal groups by chance. One group will receive the RIB technique, and the other group will receive the PVB technique. Both procedures are done under ultrasound guidance after the completion of surgery, while the patient is still asleep. The pain levels of the participants will be measured at rest and when taking deep breaths at several times during the first 24 hours after surgery. Why is this study useful? This study aims to find out which pain relief method is more effective and if one results in fewer side effects, such as nausea or the need for stronger pain medications (opioids). These results will possibly help doctors provide better comfort to patients recovering from chest surgery in the future.
Official title: Comparison of the Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid-Intercostal Block (RIB) Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block (PVB) for Postoperative Analgesia in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 85 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-03-09
Completion Date
2027-03
Last Updated
2026-03-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid-Intercostal Block (RIB)
This is an ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedure performed after the completion of the operation, while the patient is still asleep. A dose of 30 ml of 0.375% Ropivacaine is injected into the plane located between the rhomboid major and the intercostal muscles at the T5 level to provide postoperative analgesia
Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block (PVB)
This is an ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedure performed after the completion of the operation, while the patient is still asleep. A dose of 30 ml of 0.375% Ropivacaine is injected into the thoracic paravertebral space at the T5 and T7 levels to provide postoperative analgesia