Abstract
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 671-675 |
| Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- neuropathic pain
- pain management
- persistent pain
- postoperative pain
- surgery
- surgical neurolysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Physiology (medical)