Efficacy of Single-shot Thoracic Paravertebral Block Combined with Intravenous Analgesia Versus Continuous Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for Chronic Pain After Thoracotomy

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing thoracic surgery frequently suffer from chronic pain after thoracotomy. Chronic can lead to a significant decline in patient’s quality of life. However, the effect single-shot paravertebral block (TPVB) combined with intravenous analgesia on incidence is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective was evaluate impact TPVB versus continuous epidural (TEA) STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. SETTING: Hospital department China. METHODS: Ninety-six patients thoracotomy were randomly assigned 2 groups: (Group P) and TEA E). intensity assessed using Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). outcome measures acute intensity. RESULTS: at rest Group P significantly higher than that E 3 months 12 postoperation (55.2% 28.6%, = 0.019; 34.5% 14.3%, 0.027). showed less compared those (0.0 1.0, 0.034). At 6 hours 24 postoperation, coughing lower group (VRS coughing: hours: 0.0 2.0, 0.001; 3.0 5.0, 0.010. VRS rest: 0.000; 1.0versus. 0.001). LIMITATIONS: An important limitation this study it not double-blind CONCLUSIONS: In thoracotomy, reduced operation provided better relief up analgesia. KEY WORDS: Acute pain, block, analgesia, prevention,