Paravertebral block

Paravertebral block (often known as PVB) is a technique used in medicine in order to ease chest pain. An analgetic agent, usually Bupivacaine or morphine, is injected into a narrow space that lies next to the spine. A fine tube is left in place in order to re-administer the local anesthetic whenever necessary. Complications of the paravertebral block are rare. They include vascular or lung injury, hypotension and pneumothorax. Paravertebral block is used in thoracic surgery (lung resections, rib fractures), general surgery (as in cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia surgery, liver surgery and breast surgery).^[1][2][3][4]

Uses

PVB is can be employed whenever relief from acute or chronic pain is required or anticipated in the chest or abdomen. It is particularly beneficial in scenarios involving breast, thoracic, renal, or abdominal surgery, as it can effectively alleviate pain. Additionally, PVB can prove valuable in managing acute pain conditions, such as rib trauma, as well as in cases of chronic pain.^[5]

History

Paravertebral block was initially described by Hugo Sellheim of Leipzig in 1905, but the technique was rarely used until the 1980s, when new interest on the technique arose. It gained further popularity in the last two decades.^[6]