Effect of thoracic paravertebral nerve block on the early postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery

Abstract

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of thoracic paravertebral nerve block on early postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer. Methods Ninety patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy of lung cancer were divided into 2 groups: the general anesthesia group (GA group, n = 45) and the TPVB group (TP group, n = 45). The primary outcome was the decline rate of the 6-min walking test (6MWT); the second outcomes were as follows: absolute value and the completion rate of 6MWT, postoperative analgesia deficiency and pain scores, oxycodone consumption, sleep quality, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, and the hospital stay. Results Compared with the GA group, the TP group had a lower decline rate of the 6MWT on POD1 and POD2. The walking distance on POD1 and POD2 in the TP group was significantly longer than that in the GA group; the completion rate at POD1 in the TP group was higher than that in the GA group. The pain scores and oxycodone consumption at POD1 in the TP group were lower than the GA group. The sleep quality in the TP group was higher than the GA group. Conclusions TPVB can significantly improve postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery, which is helpful for promoting the early recovery of patients. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026213. Registered 26 Sept. 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43733.