Continuous intercostal nerve block for postoperative pain relief
Reiestad, F.; Kvalheim, L.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 104(7): 485-487
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 6729781 Document Number: 238699
Continuous intercostal nerve blocked is discussed as a possible supplement to postoperative pain treatment of certain groups of patients. Of 52 newly operated patients, 46 obtained good and long-lasting postoperative pain relief by this technique alone. A total of 6 patients experienced little or no effect from continuous intercostal nerve block, probably due to faulty technique of administration. Continuous intercostal nerve block may have advantages over traditional opiate treatment, epidural analgesia with local anesthetics and morphine in the epidural space. The method seems effective and is technically relatively simple while the risk of complications appears small.