The study of Intercostal Nerve Block and Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Post-Thoracotomy Pain

Kim, Woo Jong; Lee, Kihl Rho

Abstract

Remarkable effect of pain relief and prevention of the postoperative Complications after thoracotomy has been achieved by continuous intravenous analgesia. This study was carried out with thirty patients who underwent posterolateral thoraco tomy. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I(n=10), the patients with intermittent intramuscular analgesia(piroxicam 20 mg), Group II(n=10), the patients with continuous epidural analgesia(0.5% bupivacaine 30ml + normal saline 30 ml + morphine 10 mg), and Group III(n=10) the patients with controlled intravenous infusion of analgesics(fentanyl 2500 mcg +normal saline 10 ml). The results were as follows; 1) There were no significant changes of vital signs, between groups. 2) Tidal volume and FVC were significantly improved in the group II and III compared with the group I during the first postoperative day. 3) A significant reduction of immediate post-thoracotomy pain was achieved in the group II and III compared with the group I. 4) The limitation of motion in the operative side was less in the group II and III compared with the group I. 5) A significant reduction of the postoperative analgegics consumption was noticed in group II and III. 6) Significant complications were not occured during follow-up period in all groups.