A Comparative Study of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption Following Breast and Axillary Dissection Surgery

September 10, 2025 updated by: Burak Omur, Medipol University

A Comparative Study of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption Following Breast and Axillary Dissection Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Breast surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide. Pain after surgery is an important issue because it affects recovery and mobility. It can also increase the risk of breathing problems.

Although opioids are effective for pain relief, they can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. These side effects can negatively impact patients and their recovery. Reducing opioid use is important for ensuring patient safety and improving the recovery process.

To manage pain after breast surgery, two types of nerve blocks can be used: the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIP). Both methods are effective for providing pain relief after surgery. However, there are not enough studies comparing which method is better.

Purpose of the Study: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided ESPB and SPSIP blocks on opioid use after breast surgery. Additionally, we will compare opioid-related side effects (like nausea, vomiting, and breathing problems) and pain levels measured with the NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) between the two groups.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Introduction Breast surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Postoperative pain is a significant issue as it impacts recovery and mobilization. Additionally, postoperative pain increases the risk of respiratory complications.

Although opioid analgesics are effective in controlling pain, their side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression, can lead to undesirable outcomes. Reducing opioid use is critical for both patient safety and improving the quality of recovery.

For managing postoperative pain following breast surgery, the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and the more recently introduced serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIP) have been utilized. Both techniques have been effectively used for analgesia in patients undergoing breast surgery.

However, there is insufficient evidence in the literature comparing the efficacy of these two techniques in this context.

Aim of the Study The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided ESPB and SPSIP blocks on postoperative opioid consumption following breast surgery. Additionally, the secondary aim is to compare opioid-related side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression) and postoperative NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) pain scores between the groups.

Materials and Methods This prospective, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Medipol Mega University Hospital on patients undergoing breast surgery and axillary lymph node dissection. The study aims to evaluate the effects of ESPB and SPSIP applications on postoperative opioid consumption and pain management. Written and verbal informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to the study.

Patient Selection Patients aged 18-80 years, classified as ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I-III, and scheduled for breast surgery with axillary lymph node dissection will be included. Patients with a history of allergies, known allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, or psychiatric or neurological disorders will be excluded.

Group Allocation

Patients will be randomized into three groups:

Group 1 (Control group): Patients will not receive any nerve block. Group 2 (ESPB group): Patients will receive an erector spinae plane block. Group 3 (SPSIP group): Patients will receive a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block.

Anesthesia Management All patients will receive routine anesthesia protocols. After entering the operating room, patients will be monitored with electrocardiography, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and non-invasive blood pressure. Premedication with 2 mg intravenous midazolam will be administered.

Anesthesia induction will include 2-2.5 mg/kg IV propofol, 1-1.5 µg/kg IV fentanyl, and 0.6 mg/kg IV rocuronium, followed by intubation. Patients will be ventilated with a 50% oxygen-air mixture. Maintenance of anesthesia will be achieved with intermittent doses of midazolam, fentanyl, and rocuronium. Ventilator settings will include a tidal volume of 6-8 mL/kg and an end-tidal CO₂ of 30-35 mmHg.

All patients will receive 1 g intravenous paracetamol and 100 mg intravenous tramadol 30 minutes before the end of surgery. To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting, 4 mg intravenous ondansetron will be administered.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Procedure In Group 2, ESPB will be performed following the surgical procedure but before the patient is awakened. The block will be performed under sterile conditions using ultrasound guidance.

Patient Positioning and Preparation: The patient will be positioned laterally with the surgical side up. A sterile ultrasound probe cover will be used.

Ultrasound Imaging: A high-frequency (11-12 MHz) linear ultrasound probe will be placed transversely over the T5 thoracic vertebra.

Identification of Anatomy: The erector spinae muscle and transverse processes will be identified.

Needle Insertion: Using an in-plane technique, the block needle will be advanced to the transverse process.

Injection Confirmation: After confirming the needle position with a 1-2 mL saline injection, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse process. Spread of the local anesthetic will be monitored via ultrasound.

Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block Procedure In Group 3, SPSIPB will also be performed following the surgical procedure but before the patient is awakened. The block will be performed under sterile conditions using ultrasound guidance.

Patient Positioning and Preparation: The patient will be positioned laterally with the surgical side up. A sterile ultrasound probe cover will be used.

Ultrasound Imaging: A high-frequency (11-12 MHz) linear ultrasound probe will be placed sagittally at the upper corner of the scapula. The rhomboid major, trapezius, serratus posterior superior muscles, and the third rib will be visualized.

Identification of Anatomy: The third rib and serratus posterior superior muscle will be identified.

Needle Insertion: Using an in-plane technique, the block needle will be advanced between the serratus posterior superior muscle and the third rib.

Injection Confirmation: After confirming the needle position with a 1-2 mL saline injection, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected into the space between the serratus posterior superior muscle and the third rib. Spread of the local anesthetic will be monitored via ultrasound.

Postoperative Assessment Pain levels will be assessed during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Patients will routinely receive 1,000 mg paracetamol three times daily. Pain scores will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst pain imaginable."

Pain scores at rest and during mobilization will be recorded at the recovery unit, as well as at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively. If the NRS score is ≥4, 1 mg/kg IV tramadol will be administered as rescue analgesia. The total amount of rescue analgesic used, postoperative opioid consumption, and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, itching, and complications like hematoma will be documented.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

60

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • aged 18-80 years
  • Classified as ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I-III
  • Scheduled for breast surgery with axillary lymph node dissection

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with a history of allergies
  • allergic to local anesthetics
  • pregnant women
  • psychiatric or neurological disorders

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: Control group
Patients will not receive any nerve block
Experimental: ESPB group
Patients will receive an erector spinae plane block.
Procedure: erector spinae plane block

the ESP block will be administered after surgery but before the patient is awakened, under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance.

Patient Positioning: The patient will be placed in the lateral position with the surgical side up, and a sterile ultrasound probe cover will be used.

Ultrasound Imaging: A high-frequency (11-12 MHz) linear probe will be placed transversely at the T5 thoracic vertebra.

Anatomy Identification: The erector spinae muscle and transverse processes will be visualized.

Needle Insertion: Using an in-plane technique, the needle will be advanced to the transverse process.

Injection: After confirming the needle position with 1-2 mL saline, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected between the erector spinae muscle and transverse process, with spread monitored via ultrasound.

Drug: 0.25% bupivacaine
0.25% bupivacaine
Experimental: SPSIP group
Patients will receive a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block
Drug: 0.25% bupivacaine
0.25% bupivacaine
Procedure: serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block

In Group 3, SPSIP block will be administered after surgery but before the patient is awakened, under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance.

Patient Positioning: The patient will be placed laterally with the surgical side up, using a sterile ultrasound probe cover.

Ultrasound Imaging: A high-frequency (11-12 MHz) linear probe will be positioned sagittally at the scapula's upper corner to visualize the rhomboid major, trapezius, serratus posterior superior muscles, and the third rib.

Anatomy Identification: The third rib and serratus posterior superior muscle will be identified.

Needle Insertion: Using an in-plane technique, the needle will be advanced between the serratus posterior superior muscle and the third rib.

Injection: After confirming the needle position with 1-2 mL saline, 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected into the space, with spread monitored via ultrasound.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
tramadol consumption
Time Frame: irst 24 hours after the operation
Total tramadol consumption (mg) in the first 24 hours after surgery.
irst 24 hours after the operation

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) pain scores
Time Frame: first 24 hours after the operation
NRS (0-10) scores will be measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours during both rest and mobilization in the postoperative period.
first 24 hours after the operation
opioid-related side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression)
Time Frame: first 24 hours after the operation
The incidence of opioid-related side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression) will be recorded and compared between groups.
first 24 hours after the operation

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Medipol University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 27, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

August 1, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 13, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 18, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

February 19, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimated)

September 11, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 10, 2025

Last Verified

September 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • breast ESP vs SPSİP

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

only IPD used in the results publication

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Breast Surgery

Clinical Trials on erector spinae plane block

Search Similar Trials

Sponsors and Collaborators

Medical Conditions

Drug Interventions

CROs by country

CROs in Mauritius

Conditions

Rare Diseases

Drug Interventions

Dietary Supplements

Sponsor/Collaborators

Locations

Subscribe