Serratus plane block for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery major lung resection: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery 2020-03, Vol.30 (3), p.366-372
• Main Authors: Viti, Andrea, Bertoglio, Pietro, Zamperini, Massimo, Tubaro, Alessandro, Menestrina, Nicola, Bonadiman, Silvia, Avesani, Renato, Guerriero, Massimo, Terzi, Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1569-9285; 1569-9285
• DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivz289

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 2 different analgesic approaches on pain, postoperative rehabilitation exercises and rescue analgesics of 2 groups of patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) major lung resection for cancer. A total of 94 patients undergoing a VATS major lung resection were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the control group received intravenous and oral (i.e. systemic) analgesics while the intervention group received systemic analgesics plus pre-emptive serratus plane block. Pain perception was recorded until drainage removal or until 2 p.m. of postoperative day (POD) 3. In particular, the primary end point was defined as the peak pain perception on POD 1 (in the time frame between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Secondary end points were the number of forced inspiration manoeuvers during rehabilitative incentive spirometry on POD 1 and 2 and the overall number of rescue analgesics requested by patients. Serratus plane block provided a better pain control between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. of POD 1 (Numeric Rating Scale 1.7 vs 3.5; P