Interpleural bupivacaine administration for relief of post-thoracotomy pain

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of interpleural bupivacaine in relieving post-operative pain after thoracotomy and to report any side effects for this technique. Thirty patients who have undergone thoracotomy for different causes were studied. All patients received 20 ml bupivacaine without adrenaline, once they reported pain after surgery. The local anesthetic was administered through the chest tube. Assessment of pain in the first 30 minutes. The analgesic time was 7.8 + 2.7 hours [mean + S.D.]. No significant changes in arterial blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate were observed after administration of interpleural bupivacaine. There was a significant improvement in the tidal volume, PaO2 and PaCO2 after interpleural administration of bupivacaine, no side effects were observed. It is concluded that interpleural local anesthetic is a safe, simple and effective method for relieving post-operative pain after thoracotomy