Optimizing Recovery After Thoracotomy: Evidence-Based Non-Opioid and Multimodal Analgesia - A Narrative Review

After open thoracic surgery, post-thoracotomy pain remains an important postoperative problem affecting nearly half of patients. It can give rise to respiratory problems, delayed rehabilitation, prolonged hospitalizations, and chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Despite the reality that opioids are currently the primary source of anesthesia after surgery, their consumption is restricted by complications, including prolonged dependency, tolerance, and respiratory impairment.

To maximize recovery after the thoracotomy, this narrative review incorporates some of the most current studies on opioid-free strategies. In addition to local anesthetic techniques, which include thoracic epidural analgesia, paravertebral block, and erector spinae plane block, the current study highlights the effectiveness of non-opioid pharmaceutical agents, which include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, ketamine-based, steroids, and intravenous lidocaine. Physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and psychological assistance are examples of complementary non-pharmacologic interventions that improve postoperative recovery. By integrating such techniques as Enhanced Recovery. After Surgery (ERAS) pathways, individualized multidisciplinary analgesic procedures that reduce opioid consumption, promote the recovery process, and perhaps decrease the probability of chronic postoperative pain.