Paravertebral block during cholecystectomy: Effects on circulatory and hormonal responses

Abstract

Surgical trauma induces a hormonal metabolic response which is partly responsible for postoperative catabolism. In this study 12 patients underwent cholecystectomy during isoflurane anaesthesia, six with a paravertebral block (PVB) in addition. Plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol and adrenaline, and heart rate and arterial pressure were compared between the two groups. The patients with PVB showed a significantly diminished response to noxious stimuli. © 1988 British Journal of Anaesthesia.