Design: Level I randomized prospective outcomes study comparing two groups of patients. One group will receive Dilaudid patient controlled analgesia (PCA) post-operatively. The other will receive an ultrasound guided paravertebral block with indwelling paravertebral catheter with an infusion of 0.2% Ropivicaine post-operatively and a PCA.~Sample Size: 50 patients Study Duration: Approximately 24 months Population:. Patients presenting to the University of Minnesota Medical Center for elective Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), for thoracic, lung, or mediastinal lesions or masses.~Primary Objective: To determine if post-operative paravertebral catheters in patients with elective VATS procedures result in decreased pain compared to patients treated with PCA for post-operative pain.~Secondary Objectives:~To determine whether the use of paravertebral catheters impacts the length of ICU and hospital stay for patients, compared to a PCA in patients undergoing elective Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).~To determine whether the use of paravertebral catheters leads to lower risk of complications, compared to use of a PCA in patients undergoing elective Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).~2. Synopsis and Medical Application:~Specific Aims:~Primary Hypothesis: Paravertebral catheters will result in improved pain control relative to PCA for post-operative pain from thoracic surgery.~Secondary Hypothesis: Paravertebral catheters will result in fewer hospital days and improved subjective respiratory function compared to patients in the PCA group.
Level I randomized prospective outcomes study comparing two groups of patients. One group will receive Dilaudid patient controlled analgesia (PCA) post-operatively. The other will receive an ultrasound guided paravertebral block with indwelling paravertebral catheter with an infusion of 0.2% Ropivicaine post-operatively and a PCA.