[Post-thoracotomy antalgic treatment]

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a simple technique used for producing analgesia during any thoracic operation. Its principle consists in peroperative local anesthesia of the nervous trunk in the intercostal space exposed by the surgeon. Methods 17 patients had peridural anesthesia via a multi-hole catheter, and received a bolus injection of 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine, with subsequent continuous drip injections by electric needle, at a rate of 50 mg/hr. Results This treatment induced no side effects. Although not complete, analgesia allowed the patient to cough and expectorate without experiencing pain block. This permits to avoid, to the greatest extent, occurrence of postoperative atelectasia and provides for carrying out very prompt, effective chest physical therapy.