A Comparison of Paravertebral Block and the Combination of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Paravertebral Block for Post Operative Analgesia in Thoracic Surgeries

Background: Pain is defined as ?an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. After thoracic surgery, the patient may experience significant pain and discomfort due to muscle incisions, rib retractions, and intercostal nerve damage. Various regional anaesthesia techniques, such as thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), paravertebral block (PVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) have been extensively utilized to relieve post-operative pain following VATS. Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of paraverterbral block and combination of paravertebral and erector spinae block for post operative analgesia in thoracic surgery. Methods: After obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance and clearance from head of the department, the study was started. 60 patients from either gender who satisfy the inclusive criteria are selected and they were randomly allotted into two groups- Group 1 patients received Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB)and Group 2 received combination of Thoracic paravertebral block with erector spinae plane block. Results: The results showed that the VAS score and the mean dose of rescue analgesia used were comparatively higher in Group I (TPVB) at 6, 12 and 24 hours post operatively compared to group II (combination of TPVB and ESPB) and Group I required rescue analgesia earlier compared to group. Ultimately TPVB combined with ESPB emerges as the more favorable approach, offering improved pain relief and reduced need for analgesics when compared to TPVB for thoracic surgeries.