Comparing Different Paravertebral Block Methods for Pain Relief After Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess different methods of paravertebral block anesthesia used for pain relief after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection VATS, a minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer. Although VATS reduces acute postoperative pain compared to traditional surgery, pain can still be moderate to severe and affect recovery. The study seeks to distinguish between technical failures and the inherent limits of regional anesthesia techniques to improve pain management after VATS. The study will observe patients receiving one of three paravertebral block techniques percutaneous and transpleural approaches by the surgeon, and an ultrasound-guided approach by the anesthesiologist. Blocks will be given at two thoracic levels using bupivacaine with adrenaline, administered after thoracoscope installation and before surgery begins. Each technique will be sequentially applied to groups of 30 patients to evaluate anesthesia success rates. Participants will undergo sensory testing of the thorax in the recovery room using ice and a Von Frey filament at three chest locations to check anesthesia coverage. Researchers will measure the success rate of sensory block one hour after surgery and assess pain severity, morphine use, operating room time, recovery room discharge time, anesthetic diffusion quality, and opioid-related side effects like nausea and hypotension. The study is expected to continue until September 2026, and participants will be monitored closely throughout the perioperative period.

Sensory Anesthesia Achieved Through Different Paravertebral Block Approaches for Post-Op Pain Management After VATS Lung Resection