Minerva anestesiologica
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison of epidural vs. paravertebral blockade in thoracic surgery.
Epidural analgesia is considered to be the best method of pain relief after major surgery despite its side-effects, which include hypotension, respiratory depression, urinary retention, incomplete or failed block, and, in rare cases, paraplegia. Paravertebral block is an alternative technique that may offer a comparable analgesic effect and a better side-effect profile. This study measured postoperative pain and respiratory function in patients randomized to receive either paravertebral block or epidural analgesia for pain control after thoracic surgery. ⋯ Epidural analgesia is more efficient than paravertebral continuous block at reducing pain after thoracic surgery.