Atrial Fibrillation and Neuropathic Pain After Thoracotomy and Continuous Application of Magnesium Sulphate.

Effects of Prophylactic Administration of Magnesium Sulfate on the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Neuropathic Pain After Thoracotomy for Lung Resection.

Atrial fibrillation and chronic neuropathic pain are adverse events occurring after posterolateral thoracotomy for lung resection. The continuous application of magnesium sulphate may have a prophylactic effect. The investigators record the incidence of atrial fibrillation during a seven day period after thoracotomy as well as the incidence of chronic neuropathic pain during a three months period, comparing one group with a continuous application of magnesium sulphate against one group without magnesium sulphate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• posterolateral thoracotomy for lung parenchyma resection
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• hypersensitivity for magnesium sulphate
• pre-existing atrial fibrillation
• participation in another trial
• pregnancy or breastfeeding