Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
This prospective observational cohort study will compare postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Participants will be grouped according to the regional analgesia technique applied as part of routine clinical care: serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block or serratus anterior plane block. The primary outcome will be total opioid consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesic requirement, opioid-related adverse effects, patient satisfaction, mobilization time, and length of hospital stay.
• Patients aged 15 to 25 years
• Diagnosis of pectus excavatum
• Scheduled to undergo minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum under general anesthesia
• Receipt of either bilateral serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block or bilateral serratus anterior plane block as part of routine perioperative analgesic care
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient or, for patients younger than 18 years, from a legal guardian