Title : Paravetebral block with liposomal bupivacaine for enhanced recovery in open thoracotomy : A case report
Abstract:
A 77-year-old Female patient underwent an open thoracotomy for lung B/L breast cancer. Preoperative PVB was performed at the T5-T7 levels, using a combination of liposomal bupivacaine and standard bupivacaine for both intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative pain relief. Postoperatively, the patient reported significantly lower pain scores than expected, with improved respiratory function and early mobilization. Opioid consumption was markedly reduced, and the patient required minimal additional analgesia.
Results: The application of liposomal bupivacaine in the PVB provided extended pain relief following thoracotomy, leading to enhanced postoperative outcomes. The patient experienced improved pain control, reduced opioid use, and earlier discharge, suggesting the effectiveness of this approach for facilitating recovery in thoracic surgery patients.
Conclusion: This case report highlights the potential benefits of combining PVB with liposomal bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia and enhanced recovery in open thoracotomy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the broader applicability and effectiveness of this technique in larger patient populations.
