Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-two pediatric patients undergoing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery were randomized to receive either a surgeon-performed thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) with 0.2% ropivacaine (n=15) or no block (n=16). The primary outcome was the pain score at rest at 6 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at rest and during movement at different time points and analgesic use over 48 hours. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Overall, results showed that pain scores at 6 hours postoperatively were comparable between the groups (p=0.795), but the PVB group had significantly lower pain scores at 1 hour (p < 0.05). However, this analgesic benefit diminished after 6 hours. The study suggests that while intraoperative surgeon-performed PVB may provide early pain relief, its duration is limited, warranting further research on prolonged efficacy.