Single-Dose, Bilateral Paravertebral Block Plus Intravenous Sufentanil Analgesia in Patients With Esophageal Cancer Undergoing Combined Thoracoscopic–Laparoscopic Esophagectomy: A Safe and Effective Alternative

ObjectiveParavertebral block (PVB) has been shown to be an ideal aid for analgesia after thoracic or abdominal surgery. The authors studied the safety and efficacy of the single-dose and bilateral ultrasound-guided (USG)-PVB before combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) along with intravenous sufentanil analgesia as a method of pain relief in comparison with intravenous sufentanil as a sole analgesic agent.DesignProspective, randomized study.SettingSingle university hospital.ParticipantsFifty-two patients undergoing TLE.InterventionsA USG-PVB was performed before surgery using a solution of 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine by 3 injections of 10 mL each at the right T5 and bilateral T8 (PVB group,n = 26) or the saline injection of 10 mL at every site (control group, n = 26).Measurements and Main ResultsSuccessful PVBs were achieved in all patients of the PVB group. Intraoperative mean remifentanil usage and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration were lower in the PVB group (p<0.001). Hemodynamic parameters were stable in both groups. Postoperative pain scores both at rest and on coughing were lower during the first 8 hours in the PVB group than those in the control group (p<0.05). Cumulative sufentanil consumption delivered by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was significantly lower in the PVB group at all time points (p<0.05). Postoperative pulmonary function was better at the third postoperative day in the PVB group (p<0.05), with quicker hospital discharge and lower hospital costs (p< 0.05).ConclusionsThe single-dose and bilateral PVB given before TLE combined with sufentanil may provide better postoperative analgesia and early discharge in patients undergoing TLE.