SummaryThe failure rate and complications were studied prospectively in 367paediatric and adult patients who had received a thoracic or lumbar paravertebral block. The overall failure rate was 10.1 YO; adults 10.7%; children 6.2%. The frequency of complications were: hypotension: 4.6%; vascular puncture: 3.8%; pleural puncture: 1 . 1 %; pneumothorax: 0.5%. Since these results are similar to those found with alternative methods, e.g. epidural, intrapleural and intercostal blocks, paravertebral block can be recommended as an effective, safe technique for unilateral analgesia in both adults and children.

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Paravertebral catheters were placed bilaterally through a Tuohy needle under direct video control in a patient undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) surgery for recurrent, bilateral pneumothoraces. Postoperative analgesia was produced by infusing bupivacaine through the catheters. This provided good analgesia. VAT placement of paravertebral catheters is easily accomplished and may be a part of the surgical procedure.

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