The challenge of measuring post-operative pain reduction with opioid-sparing anesthetic techniques in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

[摘要] With the transition to minimally invasive approaches in thoracic surgery, patients are experiencing less postoperative pain (1,2). However, even with these techniques, post-operative pain after thoracic surgery is not negligible (1,2). Additional techniques to limit post-operative pain while minimizing opioid use are critical in order to promote early mobility and deep breathing which in turn can reduce pulmonary infections, decrease hospital length of stay, and lead to cost-savings (3-5). Few randomized, controlled trials exist, however, that assess the benefit of opioid-sparing techniques in terms of post-operative pain control.

[学科分类] 呼吸医学