Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESP) vs Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAP) for Loco-Regional Analgesia in Adult Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Via Mini-Thoracotomy: Impact on Morphine Consumption, Pain Control, and Quality of Recovery

Optimization of postoperative analgesia and reduction of opioid consumption are key components of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in cardiac surgery. Although intravenous opioids have traditionally been the mainstay of analgesic management due to their potent analgesic effect and hemodynamic stability, high-dose opioid use has been associated with respiratory depression, prolonged mechanical ventilation, delayed extubation, longer intensive care unit stay, and multiple short- and long-term adverse effects. Thoracic wall loco-regional anesthesia techniques represent promising opioid-sparing strategies in minimally invasive cardiac surgery performed via mini-thoracotomy. The purpose of this prospective randomized study is to compare two loco-regional analgesic techniques - the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block and the Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) block - in adult patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The study aims to determine whether one technique is superior in reducing postoperative morphine consumption, improving pain control, and enhancing patient-reported quality of recovery as measured by the Italian Quality of Recovery (iQoR) questionnaire.