Comparison of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for treatment of post-thoracotomy pain through thoracic paravertebral block

Objectives. The aim of this study was t o compare postoperative pain and respiratory functions of lobectomy patients who were given bupivacaine or levobupivacaine with fentanyl through a paravertebral catheter. Methods. ASA I-II patients (n=40, 18-65 years old) randomized into two groups. While Group B was administered 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl, Group L was administered 0.25% levobupivacaine with fentanyl at a rate of 0.1 ml/kg/hr through paravertebral catheter for patient controlled analgesia. Visual analog scale (VAS), arterial blood gases and respiratory function tests were assessed. Results. There were no significant differences in terms of demographic characteristics and surgery durations between the groups ( p >0.05). VAS scores recorded at the 1 st postoperative hour were higher in both groups compared to the following hours ( p 0.05). Conclusion. Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine had equivalent efficiency and could be safely used in treatment of post-thoracotomy pain through thoracic paravertebral block.