This prospective observational study aims to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of three commonly used pain management strategies in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block (SPSIPB), Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA), and systemic opioid analgesia. The study evaluates postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and the need for rescue analgesics within the first 24 hours after surgery. By analyzing analgesic performance and safety profiles of these techniques, the study seeks to provide evidence to guide optimal postoperative pain management for patients undergoing minimally invasive thoracic procedures.
Adults aged 18-75 years
Scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
ASA physical status I-III
Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics or study medications
Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants not suitable for regional anesthesia
Local infection or skin lesions at the injection site
Severe pulmonary disease (e.g., severe COPD, uncontrolled asthma)