Comparison of combined deep and superficial serratus anterior block with thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Background/aim: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a well-established procedure for the management of postoperative pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). In recent years, there have been studies suggesting that fascial plane blocks may be an alternative to TPVB. The objective of our study was to determine the efficacy of combined deep and superficial serratus anterior block (C-SAPB) as an alternative to TPVB in the management of postoperative analgesia in VATS.

Materials and methods: The patients were divided into two groups: the TPVB group and the C-SAPB group. Both groups were administered the same dose of local anesthetics. Multimodal analgesia was achieved for the groups. The primary outcome measure was visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores recorded within the first 48 h of the postoperative period in each group. The secondary outcomes were analgesic requirement, rescue analgesics, complications rate, and postoperative patient satisfaction.

Results: Thirty patients with C-SAPB and 30 patients with TPVB were analysed. VAS rest and VAS coughing scores were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Demographic and side effect conditions, total morphine use, additional analgesic needs, vital parameters, block procedure time, and patient satisfaction were also similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, although block application times were comparable, the time was slightly shorter in C-SAPB.

Conclusion: Similar analgesic efficacy was observed between C-SAPB and TPVB. TPVB maintains its place among the first choices in VATS. The efficacy of C-SAPB is comparable to that of TPVB. While the duration of C-SAPB application is not a significant factor, the brief nature of the procedure and its straightforward administration suggest that it may be an effective method.