What is a common complication associated with a proximal paravertebral block?

• A. Reduced efficacy
• B. Risk of aorta or vena cava penetration
• C. Excessive lidocaine usage
• D. Inability to touch-up anesthesia

Answer: (B)

The complication associated with a proximal paravertebral block that is most noteworthy is the risk of aorta or vena cava penetration. This risk arises due to the anatomical proximity of the major blood vessels to the area where the nerve block is performed. The paravertebral block involves injecting local anesthetic close to the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column. If not properly executed, there is a potential for the needle to inadvertently puncture these large blood vessels, leading to significant complications such as hemorrhage or hematoma formation.

Understanding the anatomy and the technique is crucial for minimizing this risk. Proper identification of landmarks and cautious needle advancement are essential strategies to avoid vascular complications during the procedure. Awareness of these risks ensures that veterinary surgeons can perform the technique more safely and effectively, contributing to better outcomes in managing pain in food animals.

While reduced efficacy, excessive lidocaine usage, and inability to touch-up anesthesia can also be concerns in regional anesthesia techniques, they do not carry the same immediate and severe risk to the patient as vascular penetration does.