The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a widely used regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. The block can be performed in different patient positions, most commonly sitting or lateral decubitus, but the effect of patient position on dermatomal sensory spread and analgesic efficacy has not been clearly established.
This prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of ESP block performed in sitting versus lateral decubitus position on dermatomal sensory distribution and postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery.
Age 18 to 75 years
ASA physical status II-IV
Scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracic surgery
Ability to provide written informed consent
Known allergy to local anesthetics
Chronic opioid use
Preexisting chronic pain
Severe cognitive impairment