Randomized, controlled trial comparing the efficacy of intercostal nerve block in thoracoscopic surgery by timing: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT: Even minimally invasive thoracic surgeries carry a postoperative cost in pain. While regional anesthesia may alleviate this anticipated pain, especially intercostal nerve blocks (ICNB), the timing of block administration for optimal effect (at the beginning of surgery vs. before wound closure) remains controversial. Here, we plan (1) to test the hypothesis that performing ICNB at the beginning of surgery provides superior postoperative analgesic effects compared to before wound closure and (2) to observe perioperative outcomes to determine whether the timing affects acute and chronic postoperative pain, or intraoperative patient management. This single-blinded, single-center, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Tsukuba Hospita

SUBMITTER: Sekine Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12375271 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature