Clinical Presentation
The procedure exerts considerable forces on the thoracic cage, typically leading to severe postoperative pain, which is highlighted as a major barrier to early patient discharge [PMID:38531584].
Management
This randomised controlled trial (ICE trial) [PMID:38531584] assesses intercostal nerve cryoablation without antiepileptic prophylaxis for neuropathic pain, focusing on its impact on hospital stay, opioid usage, pain levels, and patient mobility post-surgery.
Prognosis & Follow-up
Detailed follow-up data on recovery and quality of life will be collected to evaluate the sustained benefits of intercostal nerve cryoablation [PMID:38531584].
References
1 Janssen N, Daemen JHT, Franssen AJPM, van Polen EJ, van Roozendaal LM, Hulsewé KWE et al.. Intercostal nerve cryoablation versus thoracic epidural analgesia for minimal invasive Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial (ICE trial). BMJ open 2024. link
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