Abstract
Introduction
Paravertebral block (PVB) has been safely used as a sole anaesthetic or as a supplement to GA in patients undergoing breast surgery.1 It’s analgesic effect is attributed to its distinctive property of eliminating cortical responses to thoracic dermatomal stimulation.2,3 which clinically translates to prolonged sensory neural block resulting in decreased analgesic requirements.4 Further merits of PVB include a reduced incidence of post operative nausea and vomiting, early ambulatory discharge & preventive benefit in chronic pain following mastectomy1. Acute post operative pain has been postulated to be an important contributory factor in perioperative immune suppression which has been hypothesized to have a role in tumour progression and recurrence5. PVB due to its superior analgesic efficacy may thus have a beneficial role in contributing to a recurrence free survival in patients with carcinoma breast.
In this study, we aim to show the prolonged post-operative analgesic effect provided by PVB, when used as a supplement to general anaesthesia and the resultant reduction in postoperative opioid and analgesic requirements. Our rationale in using paravertebral block, is its relative ease of performance with lesser incidence of complications & hemodynamic variations.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Deepthi. J Prabhu
Assistant Professor, Division of Anaesthesiology,
Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Mob: 9895006045
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.75
