Post-operative analgesia following thoracotomy in the dog: An evaluation of the effects of bupivacaine intercostal nerve block and nalbuphine on respiratory function

Abstract

Pain following thoracotomy reduces pulmonary ventilation in man and a similar effect is believed to occur in animals. The effects of two analgesic regimens on arterial blood gas parameters were studied in dogs following thoracotomy. Postoperative analgesia was provided with intermittent nalbuphine, either alone or in combination with an intercostal nerve block using bupivacaine. Arterial blood gas analysis was carried out at 4, 8 and 16h post-operatively, both before the administration of nalbuphine and again 30 min later. Animals which received nalbuphine alone had a significant rise in arterial oxygenation following administration of this analgesic. This effect was not observed at 4 and 8h postoperatively in dogs which had an intercostal block with bupivacaine, but was seen at 16h post-operatively when it could be anticipated that the effects of bupivacaine would have waned. These results suggest that intercostal block with bupivacaine can provide analgesia for over 8h, and that the duration of action of nalbuphine in controlling post-operative pain in the dog is probably less than 4h. © 1991, Royal Society of Medicine Press. All rights reserved.