[New intraoperative therapeutic approach to control post-thoracotomy pain in patients who underwent main resection due to lung neoplasm].

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an incisional infusion of local anesthetics through a continuous-infusion elastomeric pump for the management of postoperative pain after thoracotomy.

METHODS:

A comparative analysis of 40 patients undergoing thoracotomies was carried out. Postoperative pain management with a continuous-infusion elastomeric pump providing local anesthetic into the incisional area was compared with traditional values. Data sources were reviewed for mean narcotic use, pain score, and complications.

RESULTS:

After thoracotomy procedures, 20 patients received the ON-Q Pain Relief System (I-Flow Corp, Lake Forest, CA, USA). Narcotic use and pain scores were significantly reduced in the ON-Q group. There were no wound healing complications or infections associated with the use of the pump.

CONCLUSION:

A continuous infusion of ropivacaine at 4 mL/h through the ON-Q elastomeric infusion pump is a safe and effective adjunct in postoperative pain management after thoracotomy. The use of the ON-Q Pain Relief System results in decreased narcotic use and lower pain scores.

• Authors: S Salvemini
• Journal: Minerva chirurgica (Minerva Chir) Vol. 63 Issue 5 Pg. 335-9 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 0026-4733 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Nuovo approccio terapeutico intraoperatorio per il controllo del dolore post-toracotomia nei pazienti sottoposti a resezione maggiore per neoplasia polmonare.
• PMID: 18923344 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Amides
• Anesthetics, Local
• Narcotics
• Ropivacaine

Topics

• Amides (administration & dosage)
• Anesthetics, Local (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Infusion Pumps
• Lung Neoplasms (surgery)
• Narcotics (therapeutic use)
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (diagnosis, drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Ropivacaine
• Thoracotomy (adverse effects)