Analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy: Epidural versus paravertebral technique. A randomized, double-blind, prospective study

52 patients undergoing thoracotomy were randomized to paravertebral catheter vs epidural catheter for pain management.  Use of the paravertebral catheter was associated with better pain control and respiratory effort.  Side effects typical of epidural catheters such as nausea, hypotension, and urinary retention were not seen in the paravertebral catheter group.