Observational Study Comparing Two Regional Pain Relief Techniques After Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pectus Excavatum

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare postoperative pain relief outcomes in patients aged 15 to 25 years undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum, a common chest wall deformity. The study observes how two regional anesthesia techniques, serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block and serratus anterior plane block, affect opioid use and pain after surgery. The study is observational, meaning the choice of pain relief technique follows routine care without random assignment. Participants will receive one of two bilateral ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia blocks as part of their usual perioperative care. All will also follow a standard postoperative pain management plan, including patient-controlled intravenous morphine and paracetamol, with tramadol available if needed. Additionally, intraoperative anesthesia depth will be monitored using the Bispectral Index device, although this is for monitoring only. The study does not alter routine clinical decisions. Throughout the study, researchers will track total opioid consumption in the first 24 hours post-surgery as the primary outcome. Secondary measures include pain scores at multiple time points, opioid-related side effects, patient satisfaction, time to first movement after surgery, and hospital stay length. Data collection involves monitoring during and after surgery, including follow-up for up to 30 days postoperatively, to evaluate pain control and recovery.

SPSIPB Versus SAPB for Postoperative Analgesia After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum