Comparing Costotransverse Foramen Block and Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Pain Relief After Lung Cancer Surgery Thoracotomy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two regional anesthesia techniques, costotransverse foramen block CTFB and thoracic paravertebral block TPVB, in patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer. Thoracotomy is a surgery known for causing severe postoperative pain, with about 75% of patients experiencing moderate to severe discomfort. Managing this pain is challenging, and while thoracic epidural analgesia has been standard, its side effects have led to exploring alternatives like CTFB. Participants will receive one of two treatments an ultrasound-guided costotransverse foramen block or an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral plane block. Both treatments involve injecting 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% on the side of the surgery. This study is randomized and double-blinded to fairly compare these two pain control methods in the context of lung cancer surgery. During the study, researchers will track total morphine use within 24 hours after surgery as the main outcome. They will also monitor the duration of pain relief, pain levels up to 48 hours after surgery, intraoperative fentanyl use, blood pressure and heart rate 4 hours postoperatively, and any side effects related to the blocks. The trial runs until June 2026 and includes adults aged 18 to 65 undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer.

Costotransverse Foramen Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block in Thoracotomy for Lung Cancer