Intercostal Neurolysis for The Treatment of Postsurgical Thoracic Pain: a Case Series. Issue 5 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cappellari, Alberto M.; Tiberio, Francesca; Alicandro, Gianfranco; Spagnoli, Diego; Grimoldi, Nadia
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 58:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 671
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: neuropathic pain -- pain management -- persistent pain -- postoperative pain -- surgery -- surgical neurolysis; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.26298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

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. Muscle Nerve 58 : 671–675, 2018