Continuous paravertebral block for postthoracotomy analgesia in children.

Six children with a mean age of 10.6 years (range, 7 to 16 years) underwent thoracotomy for pulmonary and esophageal procedures. Postoperatively, continuous paravertebral block using an infusion of bupivacaine via an extrapleural catheter was used. Excellent analgesia was attained in all patients, with no requirement for opiates or other analgesic drugs. There were no pulmonary complications and no complications related to the continuous extrapleural infusion. We conclude that continuous paravertebral block is an effective and safe method for ++post-thoracotomy pain relief in children.