Thoracic epidural for thoracic trauma

Thoracic trauma causes diaphragmatic dysfunction and severe dynamic pain. Thoracic epidural continuous infusion of local anesthetic and opioid is the treatment of choice for providing effective pain relief and improved pulmonary function in patients with multiple rib fractures or flail chest. This technique leads to a reduction in pulmonary complications and hospital stay and, for elderly patients, decreased morbidity and mortality. Compared …