This study aims to evaluate the effect of the paravertebral block using a multi-lumen catheter on the incidence and severity of acute and chronic postthoracotomy pain compared to the thoracic epidural block.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients receiving surgery through a thoracotomy incision

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with cardiovascular disease
• patients with neurologic disease
• patients with contraindications to paravertebral block or epidural block
• patients with history of previous thoracotomy incision
• patients with pain at the expected incision site