Opioid Free Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery

Intraoperatively, fentanyl in fractional doses of 1-3 µg∙kg-1 were applied if the heart rate (HR; Heart Rate) or mean blood pressure (MBP; Mean Blood Pressure) increased by more than 20% above the baseline value obtained just before surgery commencement.

"Before the induction of general anesthesia, a single-shot thoracic paravertebral block (ThPVB) was performed at the Th3-Th4 level. An insulated needle was used, connected to a peripheral nerve stimulator. 0.5% bupivacaine (0.3 ml∙kg-1) was then injected after a negative aspiration test. The efficacy of the blockade was checked after 20 min on both sides of the thorax with a plastic ampoule of saline. A difference in the sensation of cold between the sides of the thorax was assumed to indicate an effective block. Afterwards a continuous intravenous infusion of lidocaine and ketamine was started:~1. immediately after anesthesia induction, lidocaine was administered as an i.v. bolus at a dose of 1.5 mg∙kg-1 and ketamine in an i.v. bolus of 0.35 mg∙kg-1;~2. followed by an infusion of lidocaine 2.0 mg∙kg-1∙h-1 for 2 hours, continued at a dose of 1.2 mg∙kg-1∙h-1, and ketamine infusion 0.2 mg∙kg-1∙h-1 for 2 hours, continued at a dose of 0.12 mg∙kg-1∙h-1."