Long-term post-thoracotomy pain: An update [Les séquelles douloureuses des thoracotomies: Mise au point]

摘要

Thoracotomy is considered one of the most painful surgical procedures. In the literature, the estimate of the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) is 26-67%. Possible risk factors for CPTP include severe acute post-operative pain, the female gender, and a young age. Epidural analgesia started preoperatively seems to decrease the risk of developing CPTP. Little is known about the aetiology of CPTP which seems to be a combination of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain, with possible aetiologic factors including damage in the intercostal nerves. Central sensitization is associated. The management of CPTP does not differ from that of other forms of neuropathic pain.