A 64-year-old male (46 kg, 152 cm) presented with postthoracotomy pain syndrome 1 year after undergoing right bilobectomy. He had severe pain (9/10 on NRS) over the anterior and posterior right chest area and described it as burning, tingling, and current-like sensation around the thoracotomy scar at the T8-T9 level. Despite the high dosage of oral analgesics, he experienced significant pain. A right ESP block with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and 40 mg of triamcinolone was performed at the T8 level. Following the injection, pain was relieved in few minutes (0 on 10 on NRS) with sensory blockade from T5 to T12 on the right side. NRS score was noted for 24 h []. The patient was discharged with oral medications tapered. The patient remained pain-free for 1.5 months without consumption of any other oral analgesic. A second ESP block was performed with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone which again produced significant analgesia lasting 2 weeks.
A 42-year-old male (45 kg; 155 cm) with right Pancoast tumor severe pain (7/10 on NRS) from 5 months in dermatome distribution from C5 to T3, incompletely relieved on medical treatment. Right ESP block was given at T2 level in the sitting position. Following administration of 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone, pain was relieved in few minutes (1/10 on NRS) with sensory blockade from C3 to T5 on the right side. NRS score was noted for 24 h []. The patient was discharged with oral medications tapered. The patient was still pain-free without consumption of any other oral analgesics at the follow-up after 2 months.