Update on thoracic paravertebral blocks.

Update on the role of paravertebral blocks for thoracic surgery: are they worth it?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consider optimal analgesic strategies for thoracic surgical patients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have consistently suggested analgesic equivalence between paravertebral and thoracic epidural analgesia. Complications appear to be significantly less common with paravertebral analgesia. SUMMARY There is good evidence that paravertebral block can provide acceptable pain...

Analgesia for the Trunk: A Comparison of Epidural, Thoracic Paravertebral and Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks

Right Breast Mastectomy and Reconstruction with Tissue Expander under Thoracic Paravertebral Blocks in a 12-Week Parturient

Paravertebral blocks are becoming increasingly utilized for breast surgery with studies showing improved postoperative pain control, decreased need for opioids, and less nausea and vomiting. We describe the anesthetic management of an otherwise healthy woman who was 12 weeks pregnant presenting for treatment of her breast cancer. For patients undergoing breast mastectomy and reconstruction with...

Paravertebral Block Plus Thoracic Wall Block versus Paravertebral Block Alone for Analgesia of Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Paravertebral block placement was the main anesthetic technique for modified radical mastectomy in our hospital until February 2014, when its combination with blocks targeting the pectoral musculature was initiated. We compared the analgesic effects of paravertebral blocks with or without blocks targeting the pectoral musculature for modified radical mastectomy. METH...

Acute pain management of patients with multiple fractured ribs: a focus on regional techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Thoracic trauma leading to multiple fractured ribs (MFR) remains very common. Good analgesia may help to improve a patient's respiratory mechanics and to avoid intubation of the trachea for ventilatory support and therefore may dramatically alter the course of recovery. We herein review the analgesia options for patients with MFR. RECENT FINDINGS For healthy patients with on...