Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Thoracoscopic Surgery

General anesthesia was induced with 2.0 mg/kg of propofol, 2.0 mg/kg of fentanyl, and 1.0 mg kg/1 of rocuronium and maintained with continuous infusion 6-12mg/kg/h of propofol,injected 2.0 mg/kg of fentanyl and 0.15 mg/ kg of rocuronium every 30 minutes . All patients were intubated with a double-lumen endobronchial tube for one-lung ventilation.The VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) was performed.

At the end of the surgery, the upper edge of the spinous process of the thoracic vertebral body was recognized. With an epidural needle (Tuohy 22 G; Braun, Melsungen, Germany), the injection point was punctured 2 cm lateral to the midline. The paravertebral space was entered by advancing the Tuohy needle over the superior border of the transverse process. Once in the right place, the PVC was placed through the needle, checking the tip remained placed when removing the needle. The advance of the needle and the entering of the catheter into the paravertebral space were verified all the time by the surgeon using the camera. The PVC (Paravertebral Catheter ) was inserted at this point preversed at this area.

PVC was inserted.Initiated dose of 0.3ml/kg of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride 1.25mg/ml and Fentanyl Citrate 2 micrograms/ml was administered then continued PCA (Perfusor space pump,Germany)with background rate 3ml/h, bolus dose 2ml was infused through PVC.