Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the thoracic approach to thoracic paravertebral blockade ( PVB) performed via video-assisted thoracoscope on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lobectomy. Methods A total of 84 patients of both sexes, aged 44-64 yr, with body mass index of 19. 7-24. 9 kg∕m2 , of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅡorⅢ, scheduled for elective vide-o-assisted thoracoscopic unilateral lobectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=42 each) using a random number table method: thoracic PVB group (TP group) and control group (C group). In TP group, the thoracic approach to thoracic PVB was performed on the affected side via video-assisted thoracoscope before closing the chest, and 0. 375％ ropivacaine hydrochloride 20 ml was injected. Then patient-controlled intra-venous analgesia ( PCIA) was performed in both groups. PCIA solution contained dezocine 0. 6 mg∕kg, flurbiprofen axetil 200 mg, palonosetron 0. 5 mg and dexamethasone 10 mg in 120 ml of normal saline. The PCA pump was set up with a 0. 5 ml bolus dose, a 15 min lockout interval and background infusion at a rate of 2 ml∕h after a loading dose of 5 ml. Duration of operation was recorded. The peak expiratory flow rate ( PEFR) was recorded before surgery and at 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The amount of dezocine and pressing times of PCA were recorded at 24 and 48 h after surgery. The occurrence of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting was recorded after surgery. Tramadol 2 mg∕kg was intravenously injected as rescue an-algesic when visual analog scale score≥4 points. Results Compared with group C, the amount of dezo-cine and pressing times of PCA were significantly reduced at 24 and 48 h after surgery, the requirement for rescue analgesia and incidence of nausea and vomiting were decreased, and the PEFR was increased at 6 h after operation in group TP ( P<0. 05) . Conclusion The thoracic approach to PVB performed via video-assisted thoracoscope can enhance the efficacy of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lobectomy.