[Thoracic paravertebral block]

Abstract

Thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative pain control has been introduced more than a century ago. It is currently gaining increasing popularity. This simple and safe technique can be used for postoperative analgesia, as well as sole anesthetic technique. When compared to epidural analgesia for postthoracotomy pain control, thoracic paravertebral analgesia provides comparable analgesic efficacy, but less side-effects. Regarding concomitant use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, paravertebral blockade is considered a central nerve block.