Comparison of liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine hydrochloride intercostal nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia after thoracic surgery: a multicenter, randomized, three arms trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Whether intercostal nerve block can fully realize the prolonged analgesic potential of liposomal bupivacaine remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate whether liposomal bupivacaine administered via intercostal nerve block confers a long-acting analgesic advantage over bupivacaine hydrochloride and no block within the postoperative 25-72 h window.

Patients and methods

This is a multicenter, randomized, parallel, three-arm controlled trial planning to enroll 210 patients undergoing elective unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Using center-stratified block randomization (1:1:1), patients will be allocated at the end of surgery to receive an intercostal nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine, bupivacaine hydrochloride, or no block. All patie

SUBMITTER: Huang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863064 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature