Paravertebral block in the management of liver capsule pain after blunt trauma

Abstract

We present a case of liver capsule pain after blunt abdominal trauma. The patient was unable to tolerate patient-controlled i.v. opioids, and epidural infusion of local anaesthetic was considered undesirable because of the potential risk of complications. Pain was managed successfully with paravertebral infusion of local anaesthetic at the right T10 level. Innervation of the liver and possible mechanisms of visceral pain processing are discussed.