Liposomal bupivacaine in minimally invasive thoracic surgery: something is rotten in the state of Denmark

In the last decade, incorporation of minimally invasive approaches for a vast array of thoracic procedures has improved perioperative patient outcomes, however adequate postoperative pain control for thoracic patients remains a challenge. Inadequate pain control may result in adverse sequelae such as hypoventilation, retained secretions, respiratory failure, decreased mobility, and prolonged hospital stay (1). There is ample evidence in the literature of the effect these adverse events can have on postoperative morbidity and mortality.