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; I2=97%; random effects model) and TPVB (SMD=0.63; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.96; Z=3.84; p<0.001; I2=0%; fixed effects model) and lower than in LIA (SMD=?1.77; 95% CI, ?2.24 to ?1.30; Z=7.41; p<0.001; I2=0%; fixed effects model). Active pain scores 2 h postoperatively were statistically significantly lower in SAPB than in LIA (SMD=?2.90; 95% CI, ?5.29 to ?0.50; Z=2.37; p=0.02; I2=93%; random-effects model). At 12 h postoperatively, both passive pain scores (SMD=0.37; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.66; Z=2.41; p=0.02; I2=0%; fixed effects model) and active pain scores (SMD=0.55; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.85; Z=3.60; p<0.001; I2=0%; fixed effects model) were statistically significantly lower in ESBP than in SAPB. There was no difference between SAPB and the other groups in terms of the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion: After a comprehensive evaluation of postoperative analgesic effects, it appears that ESBP and TPVB may be better than SABP, and SABP may be better than LIA for analgesia of patients undergoing VATS. Further studies are required to determine the optimal regional analgesia technique in VATS.