Introduction: We investigated the possible role of intercostal surgical neurolysis in relieving chronic neuropathic pain refractory to other nonsurgical treatments in patients with postsurgical thoracic pain.
Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients referred to the Neurosurgery Unit of Policlinic Hospital of Milan. Ten patients (age range, 20-68 years) suffering from neuropathic pain for at least 2 months after thoracic surgery underwent intercostal neurolysis.
Results: Compared with preneurolysis, pain intensity decreased 1 month postneurolysis and remained stable 2 months postneurolysis (median score [interquartile range]: 8 [6-9] preneurolysis, 4 [3-5] 1 month after, and 3 [2-5] 2 months after, P < 0.001). Antiepileptic drugs for pain control decreased after neurolysis.
Discussion: Surgical intercostal neurolysis may be a promising therapeutic option in patients with chronic neuropathic pain associated with neurological deficits. Muscle Nerve 58: 671-675, 2018.
Keywords: neuropathic pain; pain management; persistent pain; postoperative pain; surgery; surgical neurolysis.
© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.