Comparison of the postoperative analgesic efficacy of serratus anterior plane block with different types of blocks for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: The study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of single-shot serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with other regional block techniques. Methods: In this meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials published in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, and PROSPERO electronic databases between March 24, 2014 and March 24, 2024 comparing the analgesic efficacy of SABP with other regional blocks in adult patients undergoing VATS were reviewed. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials consisting of a total of 537 participants (287 males, 250 females; mean age: 55.2±13.1 years) were included in this meta-analysis. Serratus anterior plane block was compared with erector spinae plane block (ESPB), local infiltration anesthesia (LIA), and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB). The postoperative 24-h cumulative opioid consumption was statistically significantly higher in SAPB than in ESPB (standardized mean difference [SMD]=1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 3.73; Z=2.22; p=0.03; I 2 =97%; random effects model) and TPVB (SMD=0.63; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.96; Z=3.84; p