Articles: nerve-block.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 1980
A technique for continuous intercostal nerve block analgesia following thoracotomy.
Early after thoractomy, incisional chest pain may lead to a sequence of undersirable effects on respiratory function, in addition to causing patient discomfort. Pharmacologic blockade of the intercostal nerves innervating the incisional area can improve respiratory function as well as patient comfort. The postoperative production of continuous intercostal nerve blockade can be accomplished by the insertion of indwelling analgesic catheters at the time of thoracotomy closure.
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Of 156 children undergoing elective inguinal herniotomy under general anesthesia, 81 also had a regional nerve block using Bupivacaine. All were treated as outpatients and recovery was assessed by postanesthetic room nurses and by interrogating the parents as to the child's behavior at home. It was concluded that the use of supplemental regional anesthesia reduced the general anesthetic requirements and the need for postoperative analgesics, thereby providing more rapid recovery to normal activity.