Pain Control After VATS Anatomical Pulmonary Resections

The epidural catheter is placed while the patient is awake, before the induction of general anesthesia. The intervertebral spaces used for catheter insertion are alternatively T4-T5, T5-6 or T6-T7. After locating the epidural space through the technique of the loss of resistance, a catheter is introduced for about 5 cm and left in place for the administration of drugs into the epidural space. Once the correct functioning of the epidural catheter has been verified with a negative test for cerebrospinal fluid aspiration and a negative bolus test for the onset of signs and symptoms from intrathecal infusion, the catheter is used intraoperatively for administration of local anesthetics in refracted boluses (Lidocaine and Ropivacaine ) at anesthetic dosage and postoperatively for continuous infusion of Ropivacaine 0.15% at 5 mL/h.

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is performed after induction of general anesthesia, with the patient in a lateral decubitus position. With the aid of the ultrasound guide with linear probe, the transverse process of T5 ipsilateral to the site of the operation is identified. With the in-plane technique, the lower fascia of the ESP muscle is hydrodissected through the administration of Ropivacaine 0.5% 3 mg/Kg lean body weight. Subsequently, a catheter is introduced and left in place for continuous postoperative infusion of Ropivacaine 0.2% at 12 mL/h.

Cryoanalgesia is performed after the induction of general anesthesia, single lung ventilation and after performing the first thoracoscopic surgical access. A cryoanesthesia device with a dedicated atraumatic angled-tip cryoprobe is inserted through the thoracoscopic access. The active tip of the probe is positioned in contact with the intercostal nerves from T3 to T8 and kept resting for 4 ½ minutes on each nerve at a temperature of -70°C, under direct thoracoscopic vision, generating an interruption of the sensory functions.