The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Intraoperative cryoanalgesia for postthoracotomy pain relief.
In a randomized study, 63 patients were investigated for the benefits of cryoanalgesia after thoracotomy. Analgesia and its dependent effects such as enhancement of mobility, respiratory function, and reduced need of narcotics were evaluated. ⋯ However, moderate to severe neuralgia was found in a number of patients in the cryoanalgesia group in the late postoperative period. Cryoanalgesia for pain relief after thoracotomy is not recommended.