Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome Research Articles

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block in the management of post thoracotomy pain syndrome: A case series

Background and aimsPost thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) remains a common complication of thoracic surgery with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Management usually involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes oral and topical analgesics, performing appropriate interventional techniques, and coordinating additional care such as physiotherapy, psychotherapy and rehabilitation. A variety of interventional procedures have been described to treat PTPS that is inadequately managed with systemic or topical analgesics. Most of these procedures are technically complex and are associated with risks and complications due to the proximity of the targets to neuraxial structures and pleura. The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel technique for thoracic analgesia that promises to be a relatively simple and safe alternative to more complex and invasive techniques of neural blockade. We have explored the application of the ESP block in the management of PTPS and report our preliminary experience to illustrate its therapeutic potential. MethodsThe ESP block was performed in a pain clinic setting in a cohort of 7 patients with PTPS following thoracic surgery with lobectomy or pneumonectomy for lung cancer. The blocks were performed with ultrasound guidance by injecting 20–30mL of ropivacaine, with or without steroid, into a fascial plane between the deep surface of erector spinae muscle and the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae. This paraspinal tissue plane is distant from the pleura and the neuraxis, thus minimizing the risk of complications associated with injury to these structures. The patients were followed up by telephone one week after each block and reviewed in the clinic 4–6 weeks later to evaluate the analgesic response as well as the need for further injections and modification to the overall analgesic plan. ResultsAll the patients had excellent immediate pain relief following each ESP block, and 4 out of the 7 patients experienced prolonged analgesic benefit lasting 2 weeks or more. The ESP blocks were combined with optimization of multimodal analgesia, resulting in significant improvement in the pain experience in all patients. No complications related to the blocks were seen. ConclusionThe results observed in this case series indicate that the ESP block may be a valuable therapeutic option in the management of PTPS. Its immediate analgesic efficacy provides patients with temporary symptomatic relief while other aspects of chronic pain management are optimized, and it may also often confer prolonged analgesia. ImplicationsThe relative simplicity and safety of the ESP block offer advantages over other interventional procedures for thoracic pain; there are few contraindications, the risk of serious complications (apart from local anesthetic systemic toxicity) is minimal, and it can be performed in an outpatient clinic setting. This, combined with the immediate and profound analgesia that follows the block, makes it an attractive option in the management of intractable chronic thoracic pain. The ESP block may also be applied to management of acute pain management following thoracotomy or thoracic trauma (e.g. rib fractures), with similar analgesic benefits expected. Further studies to validate our observations are warranted.

Effect of Continuous Paravertebral Dexmedetomidine Administration on Intraoperative Anesthetic Drug Requirement and Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome After Thoracotomy

(Abstracted from J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth, 31:159–165, 2017) The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the administration of dexmedetomidine paravertebrally as an adjuvant to local anesthetic in limiting the intraoperative anesthetic drug requirement and the occurrence of postthoracotomy pain syndrome. Postthoracotomy pain increases the risk of delayed recovery due to atelectasis, hypoxemia, ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and infection.

Perioperative Ketamine Administration for Thoracotomy Pain

Background: Of all the postsurgical pain conditions, thoracotomy pain poses a particular therapeutic challenge in terms of its prevalence, severity, and ensuing postoperative morbidity. Multiple pain generators contribute to the severity of post-thoracotomy pain, and therefore a multimodal analgesic therapy is considered to be a necessary strategy. Along with opioids, thoracic epidural analgesia, and paravertebral blocks, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists such as ketamine have been used as adjuvants to improve analgesia. Objective: We reviewed the evidence for the efficacy of intravenous and epidural administration of ketamine in acute post-thoracotomy pain management, and its effectiveness in reducing chronic postthoracotomy pain. Study Design: Systematic literature review and an analytic study of a data subset were performed. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane reviews using the key terms “ketamine,” “neuropathic pain,” “postoperative,” and “post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.” The search was limited to human trials and included all studies published before January 2015. Data from animal studies, abstracts, and letters were excluded. All studies not available in the English language were excluded. The manuscript bibliographies were reviewed for additional related articles. We included randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies, while excluding individual case reports. Results: This systematic literature search yielded 15 randomized control trials evaluating the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of acute post-thoracotomy pain; fewer studies assessed its effect on attenuating chronic post-thoracotomy pain. The majority of reviewed studies demonstrated that ketamine has efficacy in reduction of acute pain, but the evidence is limited on the long-term benefits of ketamine to prevent post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, regardless of the route of administration. A nested analytical study found there is a statistically significant reduction in acute post-thoracotomy pain with IV or epidural ketamine. However currently, the evidence for a role of ketamine as a preventative agent for chronic postthoracotomy pain is insufficient due to the heterogeneity of the studies reviewed with regard to the route of administration, dosage, and outcome measures. Limitations: The evidence for a role of ketamine as a preventative agent for chronic post-thoracotomy pain is insufficient due to the heterogeneity of the studies reviewed. Conclusion: The majority of randomized controlled trials reviewed show no role for ketamine in attenuating or preventing post-thoracotomy pain syndrome at variable follow-up lengths. Therefore, additional research is warranted with consideration of risk factors and long-term follow-up for chronic post-thoracotomy pain though the evidence for benefit appears clear for acute post-thoracotomy pain. Key words: Ketamine, postoperative, thoracotomy pain, post thoracotomy pain syndrome, neuropathic pain

Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome and sensory disturbances following thoracotomy at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

BackgroundPersistent pain affects a large proportion of patients after thoracotomy and is associated with sensory disturbances. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the time course of pain and sensory disturbances over a 12-month period.MethodsPatients scheduled for thoracotomy were recruited. Data were collected on the day before surgery, including baseline characteristics and the presence of any preoperative pain. At 6- and 12-month follow-ups, data on pain were collected using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, and perceived sensory disturbances around the thoracotomy scar were recorded from a self-exploration test.ResultsAt 12 months after surgery, 97 patients had complete data including baseline and 6-and 12-month measurements. Almost half of the patients reported post-thoracotomy pain at the follow-ups. However, 20% of the patients not reporting post-thoracotomy pain at 6 months did report it at 12 months. Between 40% and 60% of patients experienced some kind of sensory disturbance at 6 months. A small decline in some kind of sensory disturbance was reported by 20%–50% of patients at 12 months.ConclusionA proportion of patients experienced either resolved or delayed onset of pain. Sensory changes were strongly associated with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, but were also present in a large proportion of patients without it.

Current treatment options for post-thoracotomy pain syndrome: a review

Current treatment options for post-thoracotomy pain syndrome: a review

Regional and peripheral blockades for prevention of chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome in oncosurgical practice

To compare an effectiveness of thoracic epidural anesthesia/analgesia, paravertebral and intercostal blockades in prevention of chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (CPTPS) in oncosurgery. There were 300 patients who underwent open surgery including lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Patients were randomized into 3 groups depending on type of anesthesia: TEA (n=100) - combined general and epidural anesthesia; PVB (n=50) - combined general and paravertebral anesthesia; ICB (n=50) - general anesthesia was supplemented by intercostal blockade after removal of the drug. CPTPS incidence was 34 and 40% in 6 months postoperatively after PVB and ICB, respectively (p>0.05). In TEA group this value was significantly lower compared with ICB group (23%, p<0.05). TEA contributes to significant reduction of CPTPS incidence, while paravertebral blockade does not affect the frequency of this complication.

Prevention of chronic the postthoractomy pain syndrome in cancer surgery

The review is concerned the actual problem - the prevention of chronic postthoracotomy pain syndrome in cancer surgery. The analysis of modern investigations and trends dedicated this problem is presented. The advantages and controversies of each method of perioperative management of patients with malignant pulmonary neoplasms underwent lung resections via thoracotomy approach are reported. The authors also present their original method, which reduces two times the incidence of chronic postthoracotomy pain syndrome.

Pharmacological Management of Post-thoracotomy Pain

Thoracotomy is widely recognised as one of the most painful surgical procedures. The combination of extensive tissue dissection and dynamic respiratory movement postoperatively makes post-thoracotomy pain control particularly challenging. In the short term, inadequate analgesia is associated with respiratory complications, poor mobilisation, delayed discharge and respiratory infections. More importantly, poorly controlled postoperative pain is associated with developing chronic post-thoracotomy pain, also known as post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS). The reported incidence is between 25-60% and can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Increasing understanding of complex nociceptive pathways and neuropathic mechanisms has generated interest in the use of new therapeutic agents termed as adjuncts to post-operative opioid analgesia. In the area of thoracic surgery, the use of analgesic adjuncts has been subjected to a number of studies in recent years. In this article, we present a literature review of current treatment strategies for management of post-thoracotomy pain with evidence of effectiveness.

Impact of intercostal paravertebral neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain syndrome after thoracotomy in lung cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Thoracotomy leads to chronic neuropathic pain in up to 50% of patients and is responsible for an impaired quality of life. Intercostal nerve injury has been suggested to be responsible for this pain. In the present study the impact of paravertebral intercostal neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain was assessed. In this single center parallel-group randomized controlled trial patients underwent muscle sparing anterolateral thoracotomy and anatomical lung resection for lung cancer. A subcostal approach was used for thoracotomy with single paravertebral neurectomy being performed at the beginning of the procedure at the level of the retracted intercostal space. For documentation of neuropathic pain the Leeds Assessment Score for Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) was used postoperatively. The primary endpoint was defined as LANSS ≥12 points on day 120. In addition, the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) was used to score pain intensity. Out of 172 patients initially randomized 161 patients were investigated following intraoperative and postoperative drop-out criteria. All patients required anatomical lung resection via thoracotomy. Five patients were lost for follow up. For the remaining 156 patients there was no difference between the two groups with regard to LANSS ≥12: 26.6% in patients with neurectomy and 28.8% in control-subjects (P=0.78). In addition, the NSR score at day 120 did not differ significantly at rest and during activity between the two groups (at rest: 21.7% vs. 15.8% P=0.439; activity: 24.5% vs. 21.9% P=0.735). Neurectomy was not shown to reduce the post thoracotomy pain syndrome in patients with anatomical lung resection following anterolateral muscle sparing thoracotomy.

The Effect of Pre-Emptive Dexmedetomidine on the Incidence of Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BackgroundPost-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is pain that recurs or persists along a thoracotomy incision for at least two months following surgery. Dexmedetomidine (dex) is an α-2 agonist that also has analgesic, sedative-hypnotic, and sympatholytic properties.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of pre-emptive dexmedetomidine on the incidence of PTPS in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Patients and MethodsThis randomized clinical trial enrolled 104 candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and randomly assigned them to either a dex group or a control group. In the dex group, dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg/hour was infused from the initiation of anesthesia until postoperative extubation in the intensive-care unit. Two months after surgery, the patients were contacted by telephone and interviewed to determine the presence of pain at the thoracotomy scars.ResultsFifty-four patients were placed in the control group, and 50 patients were assigned to the dex group. The age, sex, and body mass index were not significantly different between the two groups of study (P > 0.05). The incidence of PTPS was 11/50 (22%) patients in the dex group and 28/54 patients (52%) in the control group. A chi-square test revealed a significant difference in the incidence of PTPS after two months between the dex and control groups (P = 0.032).ConclusionsPTPS is a common problem following CABG, and pre-emptive therapy with dex may decrease neuropathic pain.

Increased Risk of Postthoracotomy Pain Syndrome in Patients with Prolonged Hospitalization and Increased Postoperative Opioid Use.

Background. Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is unfortunately very common following thoracotomy and results in decreased quality of life. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine perioperative patient, surgical, and analgesic characteristics associated with the development of PTPS. Methods. Sixty-six patients who presented to the Mayo Clinic Rochester Pain Clinic were diagnosed with PTPS 2 months or more after thoracotomy with postoperative epidural analgesia. These patients were matched with sixty-six control patients who underwent thoracotomy with postoperative epidural analgesia and were never diagnosed with PTPS. Results. Median (IQR) hospital stay was significantly different between control patients (5 days (4, 6)) compared with PTPS patients (6 days (5, 8)), P < 0.02. The total opioid equivalent utilized in oral morphine equivalents in milligrams for the first three days postoperatively was significantly different between control patients and PTPS patients. The median (IQR) total opioid equivalent utilized was 237 (73, 508) for controls and 366 (116, 874) for PTPS patients (P < 0.005). Conclusion. Patients with a prolonged hospital stay after thoracotomy were at an increased risk of developing PTPS, and this is a novel finding. Patients who utilize higher oral morphine equivalents for the first 3 days were also at increased risk for PTPS.

Effect of Continuous Paravertebral Dexmedetomidine Administration on Intraoperative Anesthetic Drug Requirement and Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome After Thoracotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To assess the effect of paravertebral administration of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetic on the intraoperative anesthetic drug requirement and incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Single university hospital. The study comprised 30 patients who underwent elective thoracotomy and were assigned randomly to either the Ropin or Dexem group (n = 15 each). All patients received the study medications through paravertebral catheter. Patients in the Ropin group received a bolus of 15 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine over 3-to-5 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 0.1 mL/kg/hour. Patients in the Dexem group received 15 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine, 1 µg/kg bolus over 3-to-5 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine plus 0.2 µg/kg/hour of dexmedetomidine at 0.1 mL/kg/hour. The primary outcome of the study was intraoperative anesthetic drug requirement. The secondary outcome was the incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome 2 months after surgery. The amount of propofol required for induction of anesthesia was significantly less in the Dexem group (Dexem 49.33±20.51 v 74.33±18.40 in the Ropin group, p = 0.002). End-tidal isoflurane needed to maintain target entropy was significantly less in the Dexem group at all time points. Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was lower in the Dexem group (Dexem 115.33±33.77 v 178.67±32.48 in the Ropin group, p = 0.002). Postoperative pain scores and morphine consumption were significantly less in the Dexem group (p<0.001). The incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome was comparable between the 2 groups (69.23% v 50%, p = 0.496). Paravertebral dexmedetomidine administration resulted in decreased intraoperative anesthetic drug requirement, less pain, and lower requirements of supplemental opioid in the postoperative period. However, it had no effect on the incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.

Effect of paravertebral dexmedetomidine administration on intraoperative anaesthetic drug requirement and incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome

Effect of paravertebral dexmedetomidine administration on intraoperative anaesthetic drug requirement and incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome

PCN65 - The Clinical and Economic Burden of Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome (Ptps) after Lung Resection Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data

PCN65 - The Clinical and Economic Burden of Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome (Ptps) after Lung Resection Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data

Postthoracotomy Pain Syndrome Following Surgery for Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Impact on Quality of Life.

Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a common complication following thoracic surgery. Most studies examining the influence of PTPS on patient-reported symptoms include few patients managed using a minimally invasive approach. Associated sensory changes, potentially neuropathic in origin, are not well described. We therefore examined the symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of patients with and without PTPS who underwent a standard thoracotomy (n = 43) or minimally invasive surgery (n = 54). Patients in this prospective, cross-sectional study completed questionnaires to assess pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), neuropathic symptoms (Neuropathic Symptom Questionnaire), symptom distress (Symptom Distress Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and QOL (Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Lung). Excepting younger age (p = .009), no demographic or surgical characteristic differentiated patients with and without PTPS. Patients with PTPS described discomfort as pain only (15.1%), neuropathic symptoms only (30.2%) or pain and neuropathic symptoms (54.7%). Scores differed between patients with and without PTPS for symptom distress (p < .001), anxiety and depression (p < .001), and QOL (p = .009), with higher distress associated with PTPS. Despite new surgical techniques, PTPS remains common and results in considerable distress. A focused assessment is needed to identify all experiencing this condition, with referral to pain management specialists if symptoms persist.

Prevalence, Characteristics and Impact of the Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is relatively common with a varying prevalence of up to 80%. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of PTPS on quality of life among patients who underwent surgery either by open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) due to lung cancer. Methods: A questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study was sent to 200 consecutive patients who underwentsurgery for lung cancer at Aalborg University Hospital between December 2008 and April 2012. Patients reporting pain were asked to fill out four validated questionnaires; short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, Short Form 36-Item Health Survey, and the PainDETECT questionnaire. Results: Data were ultimately analysed from 133 patients. The overall prevalence of PTPS was 29% and there was no significant difference in prevalence following thoracotomy and VATS (30% vs. 24% respectively; p=0.65). Neuropathic pain symptoms were found in 95% of PTPS patients. Acute post-operative pain (p< 0.01) and duration of hospital stay (p<0.05) were most often seen in patients who developed PTPS. Patients with PTPS had significantly lower quality of life than patients without PTPS (p<0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of PTPS is relatively following thoracic surgery due to lung cancer without any difference between open surgery and VATS. Furthermore, PTPS has a great impact on daily living, and patients with PTPS have a significantly lower quality of life compared with patients without PTPS. Neuropathic pain symptoms were reported in nearly all of the PTPS patients.There is a need for large randomized studies to provide a better insight into development of PTPS in open thoracotomy vs. VATS.

Impact of pregabalin on the occurrence of postthoracotomy pain syndrome: a randomized trial.

Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a frequent cause of chronic postoperative pain. Pregabalin might reduce the incidence of chronic postoperative pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative pregabalin on the occurrence of PTPS, defined as any surgical site pain 3 months after surgery. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in patients undergoing elective thoracotomy. Patients received either pregabalin 150 mg orally twice a day initiated 1 hour before thoracotomy and continued until 4 days after thoracotomy (10 doses total) or a placebo using the same protocol. All patients received preincision thoracic epidural analgesia. Postthoracotomy pain syndrome was evaluated using the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire through a telephone interview. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of neuropathic characteristics through the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs questionnaire, analgesic use 3 months after surgery, and evaluation of acute postoperative pain and opioid consumption. One hundred fourteen patients were randomized, and 99 patients completed the study (placebo, n = 49; pregabalin, n = 50). Postthoracotomy pain syndrome occurred in 49 (49.5%) of 99 patients and more frequently in the pregabalin group (31/50 [62%] vs 18/49 [37%] in the placebo group, P = 0.01). However, among patients with PTPS, those in the pregabalin group required significantly less analgesics, reported less moderate to severe average pain, and presented significantly less neuropathic characteristics than patients in the placebo group 3 months after surgery. Pregabalin did not reduce the incidence of PTPS in this study. Future research on PTPS should focus on the impact of regional analgesia on central sensitization.

A case of serious postthoracotomy pain syndrome ameliorated by intravenous drip infusion of lidocaine

A case of serious postthoracotomy pain syndrome ameliorated by intravenous drip infusion of lidocaine

Efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS).Methods Sixty-nine ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 46-69 yr,weighing 47-78 kg,scheduled for elective resection for lung cancer under general anesthesia combined with epidural block,were randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table:group A (n =36) and group B (n =33).In group A,gabapentin 300 mg was given orally at 2 h before operation and gabapentin 100 mg was given orally three times a day from 1st day after operation until 10th day after operation.Group B received placebo instead of gabapentin.Epidural blockade with ropivacaine and sufentanil was performed before induction of anesthesia and the level of block was controlled at T4-10.Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was performed within 3 days after operation and VAS scores were maintained ≤ 3.The development of pain (numeric rating scale score ＞ 4) within 6 months after operation and the duration were recorded.The consumption of propofol and remifentanil during operation and the number of attempts for PCEA after operation were recorded.The adverse reactions such as postoperative drowsiness,dizziness,fatigue were also recorded.Results Compared with B group,the incidence of pain within 6 months after operation was significantly decreased,the duration of pain was shortened (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant changes were found in the consumption of propofol and remifentanil during operation and the number of attempts for PCEA after operation in A group (P ＞ 0.05).No adverse reactions developed in group B.Mild dizziness and fatigue occurred in 2 patients in group A.Conclusion Gabapentin (continuous application at 2 h before operation and 10 days after operation) can reduce the development of PTPS in patients with no obvious adverse reactions. Key words: Cyclohexanecarboxylic acids ; Pain, postoperative ; Thoracotomy

Effect of perioperative oral pregabalin on the incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome

Background Chronic post-thoracotomy pain, which is defined as pain that recurs or persists for more than 2 months, is a common problem affecting the quality of life of patients. We have evaluated the efficacy of perioperative pregabalin for reducing postoperative pain and the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain. Patients and methods Sixty patients aged 30-49 years undergoing thoracotomy were allocated randomly to receive either pregabalin (75 mg oral twice daily for 5 days before and 5 days after the operation) or placebo at corresponding times in a double-blinded manner. Both groups received the same anesthetic technique. Our primary target was to measure the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale at 3- and 6-month intervals. Morphine consumption was measured as well as the length of hospital stay and the occurrence of postoperative systemic complications. Results Pregabalin decreased the incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 3 and 6 months from 60 and 40% to 10 and 6.7%, respectively. Also, pregabalin decreased the postoperative acute pain intensity as indicated by lower morphine consumption ( P P Conclusion Perioperative pregabalin reduces the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain, with less postoperative morphine consumption together with early hospital discharge.