In a reported study we found that freezing of the intercostal nerves under direct vision at thoracotomy provided better postoperative analgesia than im morphine on demand. Infusions of morphine were also more effective than when used by the intramuscular route. ⋯ Further studies were carried out to evaluate the benefit of combining 'cryoprobe' analgesia with infusions of morphine. The combined use of morphine infusion and a cryoprobe did not produce greater postoperative pain relief than the use of the cryoprobe alone with im morphine on demand.
I A Orr, D J Keenan, J W Dundee, C C Patterson, and A A Greenfield.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1983 Nov 1; 65 (6): 366-9.
AbstractIn a reported study we found that freezing of the intercostal nerves under direct vision at thoracotomy provided better postoperative analgesia than im morphine on demand. Infusions of morphine were also more effective than when used by the intramuscular route. The benefit on the eighth postoperative day was greatest following the use of the cryoprobe. Further studies were carried out to evaluate the benefit of combining 'cryoprobe' analgesia with infusions of morphine. The combined use of morphine infusion and a cryoprobe did not produce greater postoperative pain relief than the use of the cryoprobe alone with im morphine on demand.