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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a widespread technique that has been linked to improved postoperative respiratory function, reduced hospital length of stay and a higher level of tolerability for the patients. Acute postoperative pain is of considerable significance, and the late development of neuropathic pain syndrome is also an issue. As anaesthesiologists, we have investigated the available evidence to optimize postoperative pain management. An opioid-sparing multimodal approach is highly recommended. Loco-regional techniques such as the thoracic epidural and peripheral blocks can be performed. Several adjuvants have been employed with varying degrees of success both intravenously and in combination with local anesthetics. Opioids with different pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles can be used, either through continuous infusion or on demand. Non-opioid analgesics are also beneficial. Finally, perioperative gabapentinoids may be implemented to prevent the onset of chronic neuropathic pain.

The infraorbital complex belongs to the maxillary bone and it is an important landmark in dentistry, especially for loco-regional anaesthesia. For this study, bilateral measurements of the components of the infraorbital complex on twenty dry dentated human skulls were performed. Results: the average length of the the infraorbital groove (IOG) was 12.55 mm and the average length of the infraorbital canal (IOC) was 12.92 mm. Regarding the infraorbital foramen (IOF), its shape was oval in 65% of the cases and the average distance between the infraorbital foramen and the inferior orbital margin (IOF-IOM distance) was 7.87 mm. IOF was located on the vertical line drawn between premolars in 50% of the cases and on the vertical line drawn through the axis of the maxillary second premolar in 45% of the cases. The morphometric data obtained can be useful in dentoalveolar surgery.