Bloc interpleural

Interpleural block consists in local anaesthetic solution injection between the two leaflets of the pleura. This block is less in use than during the eighties-nineties due to a limited efficacy, the risk of pneumothorax, a relatively important local anaesthetics resorption leading to high plasma concentrations, and the limitation of the availability of epinephrine-containing local anaesthetic solutions. Interpleural injection provides parietal analgesia at the thoracic and upper abdominal level in agreement with patient positioning. Ultrasound guidance could be useful but has not been described so far. Alternative techniques such as paravertebral bloc, PEC bloc, Serratus block, and TAP block seriously challenge the use of interpleural block.