Comparison of Loco-regional Analgesic Techniques in Patients Undergoing Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Before final lung re-expansion, involving the administration of 20 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine using a 27G needle into the subpleural space of the thoracotomy access site and adjacent intercostal spaces.

After identifying the target transverse process, a linear ultrasound probe is placed sagittally approximately 2 cm from the midline. The needle (22G, 50 mm) is inserted in-plane in a cranio-caudal direction until contacting the transverse process. After confirming proper injection by observing anesthetic spread between the erector spinae muscle and transverse process, a total of 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine is administered.