Thoracic paravertebral versus interpleural catheter for post-thoracotomy pain control in minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Objective The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of paravertebral block (PVB) and interpleural analgesia (IPA) after minimally invasive cardiac surgery through thoracotomy in terms of quality of analgesia, post-operative mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) and complications. Design A randomized, prospective study. Participants A total of 50 adult patients (18–50 years old) undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery via thoracotomy. Intervention Patients were randomized for group A: paravertebral epidural catheter (n = 25), group B: interpleural catheter (n = 25). All patients were given Inj. Bupivacaine 0.125%, 8 ml and Inj. Tramadol 100 mg as an adjuvant, total volume 10 ml. Results After obtaining institutional review board approval, data collected and analysed – visual analogue score (VAS) at rest and on coughing, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, time to extubation, supplementary analgesia requirement, LOS and complications. VAS was recorded at 0, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-extubation, while blood gases at-after shifting, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. There were no significant differences in haemodynamic or respiratory parameters, VAS at rest and on coughing, ventilation duration, ICU and hospital LOS between two groups. The requirement of rescue analgesia was in one patient of mini coronary artery bypass in group B, while one patient in group A required reintubation due to respiratory acidosis and got successfully extubated on next day morning. Conclusion PVB and IPA both are safe and effective techniques for minimally invasive cardiac surgery with thoracotomy. It allows optimal pain control and safe ICU fast-track post-operative course.