Continuous intercostal analgesia with 0.5% bupivacaine after thoracotomy: A randomized study
Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of 0.5% bupivacaine (360 mg/day) as a continuous infusion through an indwelling intercostal catheter inserted intraoperatively in the management of pain after thoracotomy. Eighty-six patients were randomized into three groups: group 1=intercostal bupivacaine, group 2=intercostal saline solution, and group 3=fixed-schedule intramuscular buprenorphine. Supplementary buprenorphine was given as required. Pain and pulmonary function were assessed throughout the first 5 days after operation. Pain score was lower in group 1 than in group 2 for the first 8 hours after operation ( p p p p
Personal experience of 31 cases of suprapubic trocar cystostomy is presented. The operation was carried out under local anaesthesia using the Campbell trocar, which is specially adapted for a balloon catheter. Supra-pubic trocar cystostomy is practically without discomfort and risk to the patient and is particularly recommended for patients who are poor surgical risks.