Comparison of analgesic efficacy of the conventional approach and mid-transverse process to pleura approach of the paravertebral block in video-assisted thoracoscopy surgeries: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The paravertebral block (PVB) is an effective alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia for post-operative analgesia in thoracic surgeries. Despite the use of ultrasound in PVB, the search for a safer approach continues. This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of conventional and mid-transverse process to the pleura (MTP) approach of the PVB. METHODS: Forty patients aged between 18-60 years, posted for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, were enroled for this study. Patients were randomised into two groups using a random number table, and group allocation was done by the sealed opaque envelope method. One group received PVB by conventional approach (group CP). In contrast, patients in the other group (group MP) received PVB by the mid-transverse process to pleura (MTP) approach before induction of general anaesthesia under ultrasound guidance. The study's primary aim was to compare analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours. Secondary aims were comparing the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, block performance time, dermatomal spread, haemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), patient satisfaction scores, and complications observed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. RESULTS: Demographic parameters, block performance time, and dermatomal distribution were comparable in both groups. We did not find any statistical difference in the analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours (P = 0.38), VAS at rest or on movement, complication rates, and patient satisfaction scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: The MTP approach of the PVB is as effective as the conventional thoracic paravertebral approach for post-operative analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries.