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[Intercostal nerve blockade with alcohol during operation for postthoracotomy pain]
Povilas Miliauskas1, Saulius Cicenas, Renatas Tikuisis
1Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, Santariskiu 1, 2021 Vilnius, Lithuania. miliusp@centras.lt
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|April 14, 2004
Summary
Intraoperative intercostal nerve blockade with alcohol significantly reduced postthoracotomy pain compared to epidural analgesia alone. This method offers sustained pain relief for at least one month following surgery.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a common complication after chest surgery.
- Effective pain management is crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative intercostal nerve blockade with alcohol combined with epidural analgesia for controlling postthoracotomy pain.
- To compare this combined approach with epidural analgesia alone.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 57 oncological patients undergoing antero-axillary thoracotomy.
- Patients were assigned to either intraoperative intercostal nerve blockade with alcohol plus postoperative epidural analgesia with morphine or postoperative epidural analgesia with morphine only.
- Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at 10 and 30 days postoperatively.
Main Results:
- The group receiving intraoperative intercostal nerve blockade experienced significantly lower postsurgical pain scores.
- Mean pain scores at 10 days were 2.1 (blockade group) vs. 6.5 (control group).
- Mean pain scores at 30 days were 1.5 (blockade group) vs. 4.2 (control group).
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative intercostal nerve blockade with alcohol provides additional benefit for postthoracotomy pain relief.
- This technique is particularly effective for sustained pain reduction for at least one month post-surgery.