Rationale and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cryoablation on pain levels in patients with histories of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.
Materials and methods: Eighteen patients were included in this retrospective review. Preprocedural and immediate postprocedural pain scores were recorded, as well as several months after the procedures.
Results: The average preprocedural pain score was 7.5 +/- 2.0, which decreased to 1.2 +/- 1.9 immediately after the procedure. After a mean follow-up period of 51 days, the average pain score was 4.1 +/- 1.7. The difference between preprocedural and postprocedural pain scores was statistically significant by Wilcoxon's rank sum test.
Conclusion: Cryoneurolysis of the intercostal nerves statistically significantly decreased pain scores in patients with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.
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