Thoracic paravertebral block for analgesia following liver mass radiofrequency ablation

Authors: Culp, W C; Payne, M N; Montgomery, M L

Source: British Journal of Radiology, Volume 81, Number 961, January 2008 , pp. e23-e25(3)

Publisher: British Institute of Radiology

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Abstract:

A 66-year-old man presented for a second attempt of radiofrequency ablation of a metastatic carcinoid liver lesion. The first attempt using intravenous sedation was unsuccessful because of inadequate pain control and subsequent patient combativeness. Despite fentanyl being given during general anaesthesia, the patient complained of severe right flank pain after emergence. A thoracic paravertebral block was performed without complication and the patient's pain decreased to “3 out of 10” on a standard 10-point scale after 10 min, and “0 out of 10” after 30 min. The patient's pain score remained 0 throughout the following day, and no further analgesics were required. Thoracic paravertebral block can provide complete and lasting analgesia following hepatic radiofrequency ablation, and warrants further study for patients undergoing hepatic radiological interventions.

Document Type: Case report

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1259/bjr/67548127

Publication date: 2008-01-01