[Multiple-injection thoracic paravertebral block for reconstructive breast surgery]

To describe the use of multiple-injection thoracic paravertebral blockade, with intravenous sedation, for anesthesia during reconstructive breast surgery.

Descriptive, prospective study in 100 scheduled operations for major reconstructive breast surgery. The paravertebral block was performed by means of 3 injections at the lower edges of the vertebral apophyses at T3-5. We recorded time performing the procedure, latency (time until block onset), dermatomes blocked, degree of effectiveness, conversion to general anesthesia, postoperative complications and pain, and patient satisfaction.

Dermatomes T3, T4, and T5 were blocked in 99% of the patients. The block took 7.39 minutes to perform and latency was 7.37 minutes. Postoperative analgesia with anti-inflammatory drugs was adequate for most patients. There were 3 cases of epidural diffusion, 10 patients with hypotension, 12 with postoperative nausea or vomiting, and 3 with symptoms of epidural blockade. Intravascular puncture occurred, without complications, in 3 cases. There were no cases of pneumothorax or intrathecal injection. Ninety-one percent of the patients declared they were satisfied or very satisfied with the technique.

Triple-injection paravertebral blocks, in which 3 fractions of the total anesthetic dose are delivered to block dermatomes T3-5 is an effective technique that is easy to perform and leads to few complications. Most patients express a high degree of satisfaction with this anesthetic technique.