Update on thoracic paravertebral blocks.

Thoracic paravertebral block was widely practised at the beginning of the 20th century. It has enjoyed a renaissance in the past decade. This form of afferent blockade is the technique of injecting local anaesthetic into the thoracic paravertebral space. Thoracic paravertebral analgesia is mostly indicated for unilateral surgical procedures of the thorax and abdomen. Compared to the other available regional techniques such as epidural, intercostal and interpleural, paravertebral blocks offer comparable or better analgesia with less side effects. Thoracic paravertebral blocks deserve greater consideration and investigation.