Postoperative Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery

Analgesic management in thoracic surgery presents a particular challenge for the anesthesiologist, given the intensity of postoperative pain associated with thoracotomy, a surgical procedure that can impact respiratory function and the patient's subsequent recovery. Epidural analgesia is the gold standard. When epidural catheter placement is not feasible, erector spinae plane block is a safe alternative. The ultrasound target is easily visualized, and the injection site is far from the neuraxis, pleura, and major vascular structures. Consequently, this block has been incorporated into standard clinical practice as a treatment option for patients with complex cases or as an alternative approach when epidural catheter placement is not feasible. The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery.

Study Population Design A prospective observational follow-up study will be conducted. ASA I-III patients undergoing scheduled thoracic surgery between November 1 and December 31, 2025, will be included. Their analgesic management will be based on standard clinical practice.