J Cardiovasc Surg
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The effects of postthoracotomy pain management on pulmonary function has been assessed. ⋯ A thoracotomy potentially produces a marked reduction in postoperative pulmonary function and the choice of pain management has major implications. Attenuation of postthoracotomy pulmonary dysfunction by effective analgesia should be provided for all patients undergoing chest surgery. Simply providing effective analgesia on its own without regard to pulmonary function is inadequate. Spirometric monitoring should be standard in all thoracic units and is essential for objective comparisons of the efficacy of different methods of pain management.