Background: Thoracic discectomy procedures require early and adequate pain control to alleviate patient discomfort after surgery. The intraoperative placement of a nerve block after intercostal nerve violation can offer early pain management after thoracic discectomy.
Methods: The anatomy and technique of placing an intercostal nerve block after retropleural thoracic discectomy are described. Patient data were collected for patients who underwent this technique.
Results: This approach is presented with an illustrative figure and a review of relevant anatomical landmarks to describe the technique and ensure its reproducibility. Data for 93 patients (57 [61%] women; 36 [39%] men; mean [SD] age, 54.1 [14.1] years) who underwent the procedure are provided to assess the reliability of this technique.
Conclusions: Intercostal nerve blockage offers a valuable addition to postoperative pain management and may be considered as an available pain relief option for patients undergoing thoracic discectomy.
Keywords: Intercostal nerve block; Intraoperative technique; Pain management; Spine surgery; Thoracic discectomy.
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