Paravertebral Block Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia

Standard thoracic epidural (needle inserted into the space between the covering of spinal cord and the cord itself) preoperatively. Standard thoracic epidural analgesia mixture (2 mg/ ml bupivacaine, 2 µg/ ml fentanyl and 2 µg/ ml adrenalin) with an infusion of 6-10 ml/hour until day 2 postoperatively. Thereafter reduction by 30 % every four hours.

Paravertebral block containing 5 ml bupivacaine 5 mg/ ml (optionally 10 ml bupivacaine 2,5 mg/ ml). In addition per-oral painkillers (oxycodone and paracetamol) from the day of surgery.