Serratus anterior plane block and erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesia in thoracotomy: A randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Managing pain after thoracic surgery is crucial and the traditional methods have many adverse effects. We aimed to evaluate serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in acute pain control in thoracic cancer surgeries. METHODS: This randomised controlled, triple-blind study was performed on 90 patients, between 18 and 70 years old, scheduled for elective thoracic cancer surgery. Patients were allocated into three equal groups: Control group: received sham ESPB and sham SAPB. SAPB group received SAPB (20 ml bupivacaine 0.5%) and sham ESPB. ESBP group received ESPB (20 ml bupivacaine 0.5%) and sham SAPB. RESULTS: Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly lower in ESBP and SAPB groups than control group [ESPB (8.52 ± 4.29 mg) < SAPB (19.57 ± 7.63 mg) < control (36.37 ± 8.27 mg)] (P < 0.001). Numerical rating scale pain score was comparable among the groups at rest, but was significantly lower at 30 min, 2, 4 h in ESPB and SAPB groups, than control group on coughing. The scores were better in SAPB compared to control group till 4 h. At 8, 12, 24 h, the difference between control and SAPB groups became insignificant, but it remained the least in ESPB group. Postoperative forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second after 24 h were the best in ESPB group and better in SAPB group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Both ESPB and SAPB reduced intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumptions and postoperative dynamic pain scores with improved postoperative pulmonary functions in thoracic surgery with the ESPB being superior.